Genetic testing has provided important clues to understanding our health, but it has also raised many ethical, legal, and medical questions and concerns. This book explores the breadth of genetic testing, its possibilities, and the controversies that surround its use.
The mapping of the human genome has paved the way for a variety of genetic tests. Expectant mothers can have their fetus screened for a variety of genetic abnormalities, and couples worried that they might be carriers for a genetic disorder can be tested before deciding to have children. Women can be screened for the BRCA2 gene that has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. Individuals curious about their ancestry can find out more about their heritage. Genetic testing can also be used to establish paternity and help solve crimes.
Part of Greenwood's Health and Medical Issues Today series, this book is divided into three sections. Part I explores the history of genetic testing, including the rise of direct-to-consumer tests, and outlines the current applications and contexts in which genetic testing is performed. Part II delves deep into the ethical, legal, financial, medical, and psychological issues and controversies that surround genetic testing. Part III provides a variety of useful materials, including case studies, a timeline of critical events, and a directory of resources.
- Explores genetic testing in a multitude of contexts and settings, including prenatal screenings, at-home direct-to-consumer health and ancestry tests, and paternity tests
Examines key ethical, financial, legal, and medical issues related to genetic testing, such as genetic discrimination in insurance coverage, pregnancy termination, and test accuracyOffers illuminating case studies that use engaging real-world scenarios to highlight key ideas and debates discussed in the bookProvides readers with a helpful Directory of Resources to guide their search for additional information
This overview for general readers and students requires no science background. Part 1 offers detailed background introducing genetics and genetic testing, medical genetic testing, consumer genetic testing and heritage tracking, and other uses of genetic testing. Part 2 address controversies and issues such as financial, legal, and ethical concerns, psychological issues, and evaluating genetic tests. Some specific subjects in this section are pregnancy termination and genetic discrimination in insurance coverage. Part 3 presents hypothetical case studies and analyses illustrating issues and dilemmas. In addition, the book contains a glossary, timeline, and lists of articles, books, organizations, and web sites. Annotation ©2020 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
