19.2.5

Ethics

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Ethics

Genetic screening & gene therapy have a variety of ethical considerations.

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Screening in pregnancy

  • A variety of genetic tests can be conducted during pregnancy.
  • In IVF, embryos are screened for genetic diseases prior to uterine implantation.
  • Towards the end of the first trimester, a sample of embryonic tissue is taken from a woman's placenta. The DNA is analysed.
    • This is known as chorionic villus sampling. It tests for genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Amniocentesis involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid and running genetic tests on it. It tends to occur early in the second trimester.
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Social & ethical debates

  • There are many social and ethical debates that surround such tests:
    • There is a risk of damage to the embryo or foetus when collecting samples.
    • Test results may lead to the termination of the pregnancy (abortion).
    • Raising a child with genetic disorders can be costly and impact the mental health of the parents.
    • Genetic engineering embryos could lead to the production of 'designer babies'.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

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