The Genetic Testing of Children [Paperback]

This book, written by a leading geneticist, examines the ethical and social issues raised by the genetic testing of children. The opinions of geneticists, ethicists and affected families are all included to give a balanced view of this controversial field. Issues covered include confidentiality, potential abuses of genetic information (eg the use of test results by insurance companies) and the value of predictive genetic testing.
The aim of the book is to improve awareness of the complexity of the issues raised and provide suggestions as to how the discussions must develop - it therefore raises new questions as well as answering those that already exist.List of contributors -- Acknowledgements -- Preface -- Introduction -- Social and ethical issues around genetics -- Children and childhood -- Issues for practitioners (genetic counsellors) -- Genetic testing in childhood -- The relevant genetic contexts -- Discussions about testing children -- Lessons from screening children for susceptibility to disease -- The 'adoption' model of genetic information -- The contents of this volume -- References -- PART ONE: SETTING THE SCENE -- 1 The genetic testing of children: some legal and ethical concerns /Sheila A.M. McLean -- Introduction -- Presymptomatic testing for childhood-onset disorders -- Testing for late-onset disorders -- Conclusion -- References -- 2 Talking to children - and talking with them /Priscilla Alderson -- Introduction -- Words and meanings -- Risk in talking with children -- Contradictions -- Timing and content -- Competence -- Conclusion -- References -- 3 Reflections on genetic testing in childhood /Dietmar Mieth -- Pragmatic ethical issues concerning diagnostic tests on children -- Fundamental ethical issues concerning genetic tests on children -- References -- PART TWO: CARRIER T ESTING IN CHILDH OOD -- 4 On the receiving end of genetic medicine /Christine Lavery -- Introduction -- MPS diseases -- Conclusion -- 5 Testing children for balancedlÓ-