Ethical considerations in prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling

Abstract

Introduction: Prenatal diagnosis, as the world widest spread reproductive option, refers to fetus health research methods. Fetal life congenital malformation detection and allowing termination of pregnancy are among its main objectives. An ethical approach, based on respect for people and for confidentiality, avoiding hurt and respecting autonomy, is the key towards optimum genetic counseling. Objective: to set out some ethical considerations in medical genetics health care practice starting from bioethics fundamental principles, which are linked to prenatal diagnosis and to the genetic counseling process. Results: Since dealing with issues related to these ethical aspects in medical genetics practice is a relatively new subject that has been influenced by the development of bioethics and the solution to ethical and social dilemmas in medical practice. Conclusions: In the field of prenatal diagnosis some ethical, social and juridical conflicts could be presented, for that reason doctors should apply on their professional exercise the bioethical principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence and not maleficence, which constitute the main rules that regulate their conduct and give then the basis for the reasoning and orientation for their actions during the genetic counseling process.