Academic literature on the topic 'Fetus Abnormalities Diagnosis Moral and ethical aspects'

The paper provides a definition of sexual and reproductive health and infertility and also reflects modern ideas about ways to overcome infertility using assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. It shows the specificity of the impact of an IVF procedure on the mental health of a potential mother. The features of the neonatal health status, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders in babies born using the IVF procedure are described. The authors present two types of surrogacy (traditional and gestational ones) and the features of their use in different countries according to governmental legislative regulation, socioeconomic and religious factors, and cultural traditions in society. They unveil the features of a psychological relationship between the mother (surrogate and presumed one) and the fetus. The consequences of surrogacy for a surrogate mother, genetic parents, and a child himself/herself are noted to be little studied. It is shown that the development of assisted reproductive technologies (IVF and surrogacy), on the one hand, helps fight infertility and, on the other hand, entails a number of problems (moral and ethical, legal, cultural and religious, socioeconomic, and neuropsychiatric ones) that need to be solved in order to prevent psychological, neurological, and mental abnormalities in all the participants (a surrogate mother, an unborn child, and potential parents) in the assisted reproductive process:

Recently published data from the UK pointed out that the number of abortions performed under Ground E of the Abortion Act 1967, which allows abortion for foetal abnormalities, was far lower compared to the number of pregnancy terminations where foetuses had Down syndrome. This prompted calls for the matter to be rectified. This article explores the issues raised and argues that rather than being a concern; the discrepancy is consistent with moral uncertainty or a non-judgmental approach. This is, perhaps fortuitously, in tune with recognized conceptualizations of functioning ability. Debate about what constitutes substantial risk may be resolved in those conditions where a diagnosis can be confirmed. But clinical presentations of those affected can vary and there is no necessary link between functional abilities and suffering. Despite the ambiguities, some practitioners have resolved in favour of late abortion in pregnancies with Down syndrome. It is tempting to develop inferences from these cases, but advancing a convincing argument that may encompass all affected cases requires agreement on underpinning assumptions. Given the polarized debate in this area, it is perhaps best to acknowledge the reality of diverse ethical viewpoints.

M.Comm.
A revolution in genetic research, known as the Human Genome Project (HGP), is taking place. This project, initiated in 1984, is a twenty-year, six billion-dollar science project designed to map the entire genetic structure (Genome) of the human species (Brockett and Tankersley, 1995). In 1998, the HGP leaders expected to complete the project by 2003 (Lowden, J. A., 1999:33). The Human Genome Project is designed to sequence the human genome (the blue print of genetic information) and to identify the estimated 100000 genesherein. This has added a new dimension to the technology available to underwriters in the life and health insurance industry for the selection of medical risks. Genetic testing can identify inherited diseases and predict illnesses that might not manifest for decades (Brackenridge & Elder, 1998:89). Genome research has opened up new opportunities for diagnosis and in some cases, early treatment of medical conditions. This new basis of knowledge is referred to as the advent of the molecular age in medicine. Medical journals, the mass media and genetic interest groups are treating human genetics and the opportunities it presents as a high-profile issue, with great attention being paid to the complex and emotive topics of life insurance and genetic testing (Regenauer & Schmidtke, 1998:5). The Insurance Industry can use genetic testing to identify high-risk applicants more accurately and price products accordingly, thereby improving risk assessment and profitability. These potential advantages, however, are counter-balanced by ethical considerations that are much more difficult to address (Lowden, J. A., 1999:33). Many consumers, ethicists and geneticists fear that insurers will use this data for unfair discriminatory purposes, identifying a genetic underclass of people who, although clinically well, will be uninsurable. Genetic testing could invade the privacy of applicants and their families. There are concerns about the confidential handling of genetic information as well as the accurate interpretation of genetic tests. The uncertainty about the predictive value of genetic tests, the shortage of trained geneticists and counsellors and the psychological impact of that knowledge of a predictable serious disease might have, have lead to much opposition to the use of genetic information by third parties. In the United States most Americans receive health insurance through their place of employment. There are fears that genetic testing will be used to discriminate against prospective employees and render many people unemployable and uninsurable (Council for responsible Genetics, 1997: http://www.gene-watch.org/genclisc htuil Consumer groups have lobbied effectively for the prohibition of testing or the use of testing by insurers in the United States and Europe and legislators aim to ban the use of genetic information on a broad basis. Insurers, on the other hand, are assuming that the new laws will cause untold damage to the fiscal stability of their companies (Lowden, J. A., 1999:33). However, it seems inevitable that genetic testing will affect risk classification sooner rather than later and to a greater extent than most believe (Chambers, 1997: http://www.Inrc.com/epirr/issues/143/143-4.htm).