The Controversy Of Genetic Testing Essay Example for Free

The Contr everyplacesy Of Genetic Testing Es regulariseThe write out of genic engineering and testing has become one of the most contentious issues in our contemporary society. The debate is battled over by credentialed scientists on both sides and the likelihood is very high that it forget continue. Most of the pro patrimonial testing advocates claim that since it is a technological and scientific process, communicable testing governmental regulation and rating should be purely based on objective and scientific criteria.Genetic testing opponents argue that on that point should be more science (or rather further development) especi exclusivelyy on environmental and human studies in order to have such a purely perceived scientific evaluation of genetical testing. The contradiction brought about by such pure scientific assessment of genetic testing is the fact that it ignores the wide-ranging and differentiated religious, cultural, and ethical dimensions of different ind ividuals that must be considered (Coates, Mahaffies, Hines, 1997, 13).Thus, genetic testing is not an isolated technology but rather one that employs a wide range of methods that volition eventually gauge the absence, action mechanism or presence of defective genes in cells. Its costs ranges from as less than $50 for simpler screenings like reaping hook cell anemia blood screens to the $10,000s bracket for more complicated screens such as the pre-implantation genetic investigation for diseases like the Tay Sachs.Many individuals tend to prefer genetic testing when it happens that their families have shown most symptoms, which, given up an early diagnosis, muckle substantially be improved. They may also consider it if they wish to pass on some desired genetic traits to their progeny.It goes without saying that the potential that genetic testing has for humankind in all societies is quite paramount. The most significant is the fact that genetic testing has a capability of lengt hening and upward(a) the quality of human life. When used and administered in the most appropriate ethical standards, genetic testing will/can eventually eliminate many unforeseen distresses and suffering. However, a number of issues including discrimination, social engineering, consent, equity, and privacy sit down as potential hindrances that have been confronted by many people so far. There have been some somebodyal family and legal conflicts which have arisen as a result of individual and/immediate relatives testing (Coates, Mahaffie, Hines, 1997, 17).Considering the issue of privacy for example, there has been many doubts whether insurance firms and potential employers for example, should access a persons genetic records. There have been proposals that only genetic researchers should in their attempt to come up with more undimmed technologies that will ensure improvement and longevity of human life. This possibility of other unauthorized individuals or groups macrocosm info rmed of such genetic statuses is viewed by many as an incriminating genetic privacy deficiency.Moreover, genes are shared among parents and siblings, and as such, many wonder if there is a moral obligation for a person to disclose the information to people who could be potentially affected. Other issues that have brought additional controversy related to genetic testing include possible offensive discrimination of those found with defective genetic composition. This in the first place happens in insurance related processes among others such as foster parenting or adoption. (Coates, Mahaffie, Hines, 1997, 22)Equality in availability of genetic testing to all is yet another worrying factor. Some people have notion that the rich might well be able to alienate themselves from all forms of genetically oriented complications because they can relatively afford the staggering costs as compared to the less fortunate. This has however, been addressed by appropriate regulatory measures tha t ensure there is no unnecessary skyrocketing of genetic testing costs.In conclusion, Id say that no matter what the magnitude of opposition towards the issues revolving genetic testing, it is fundamental to appreciate one fact that the bed line of all the debates will always depend heavily on the eminent advantages that this scientific advancement has brought to humanity. All we are required to do now is to streamline a few bends and we will soon be one army against a common enemy, ignorance of the benefits awaiting mankind after perfecting the methods and procedures involved.Most of these controversial issues can comfortably be prevented if we all make concerted efforts to understand the legal and social policies, field and state legislation as well as the health care reforms that will prevent disappoint about genetic testing. The gifts to be achieved by treating devastating inherited diseases out rightly outweigh the societal risks involved.Work citedCoates Joseph, Mahaffie Jo hn Hines Andy. The Promise of Genetics. The Futurist, Vol.31, September, 1997, pp. 13, 17, 22