The Controversy Of Genetic Testing Essay Example for Free

The Controversy Of Genetic Testing Essay The issue of genetic 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 will continue. Most of the pro genetic testing advocates claim that since it is a technological and scientific process, genetic testing governmental regulation and evaluation should be purely based on objective and scientific criteria. Â  Genetic testing opponents argue that there should be more science (or rather further advancement) especially on environmental and human studies in order to have such a purely perceived scientific evaluation of genetic testing. The contradiction brought about by such pure scientific assessment of genetic testing is the fact that it ignores the varied and differentiated religious, cultural, and ethical dimensions of different individuals 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 will eventually gauge the absence, activity or presence of defective genes in cells. Its costs ranges from as less than $50 for simpler screenings like sickle cell anemia blood screens to the $10,000’s 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 some symptoms, which, given an early diagnosis, can 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 lengthening and improving 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 pose as potential hindrances that have been confronted by many people so far. There have been some personal 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 person’s genetic records. There have been proposals that only genetic researchers should in their attempt to come up with more promising technologies that will ensure improvement and longevity of human life. This possibility of other unauthorized individuals or groups being informed 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 mainly 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 thought 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 that ensure there is no unnecessary skyrocketing of genetic testing costs. In conclusion, I’d say that no matter what the magnitude of opposition towards the issues revolving genetic testing, it is fundamental to appreciate one fact that the bottom 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, national and state legislation as well as the health care reforms that will prevent disillusion about genetic testing. The gifts to be achieved by treating devastating inherited diseases out rightly outweigh the societal risks involved. Work cited: Coates Joseph, Mahaffie John Hines Andy. The Promise of Genetics. The Futurist, Vol.31, September, 1997, pp. 13, 17, 22