Ethical issues related to genetic testing, genomic information, and technologies include privacy and confidentiality. This includes ethical challenges on who should access the genetic information and who owns and controls it (Ascencio-Carbajal et al., 2021). Race and ethnicity are used as indicators for genetic testing in individuals with known cancer susceptibility variants. In addition, race and ethnicity are used to target racial and ethnic groups that can benefit from screening to promote early diagnosis. Religious views have significantly affected how individuals think about genetic technology, with some religious groups opposing the technology of moving genes from one species to another (Modell et al., 2019).
Legal concerns have been raised about how new genetic information will be used and how people and society will be protected from potential harm. Consequently, federal regulations have been created to govern research involving human subjects for researchers to research blood samples provided for genetic tests as long as the samples are anonymous (Ascencio-Carbajal et al., 2021). The fiscal issue with genetic testing and technology particularly involves resource-poor countries, uninsured persons, and people living in rural and inner-city communities. The issue is how genomic science and treatments can be made available to individuals with fewer resources. Furthermore, societal issues related to genetics arise with regard to how an individual’s genetic information affects that person’s and society’s perception of them (Ascencio-Carbajal et al., 2021). Besides, societal issues arise regarding how genetic and genomic information impact individuals from minority communities.
Informed decision-making and related consent entail ensuring that an individual is well-versed with the nature, risks, and benefits of genetic testing and that the person gives consent without coercion (Kilkku & Halkoaho, 2022). However, privacy issues undermine individuals’ rights to autonomy in decision-making. Some employers, insurers, educational institutions, spouses, researchers, and social agencies coerce individuals to undergo genetic testing and share the results to receive some services.
References
Ascencio-Carbajal, T., Saruwatari-Zavala, G., Navarro-Garcia, F., & Frixione, E. (2021). Genetic/genomic testing: defining the parameters for ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI). BMC Medical Ethics, 22(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-021-00720-5
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