Genetic and Ethical Considerations of Prenatal Screening

Abstract

There is much to ponder about in this new age of bioinformatics and genomic research. We are now able to screen many diseases at the prenatal level. But society needs to begin discussing the ethical implications of prenatal genetic testing and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such technology. With this ability to prenatal test, will parents terminate a pregnancy at higher rates due to conclusions of prenatal genetic testing? Is this the beginnings of designer babies, whereby only certain preferred traits are selected? These are important questions to ask to understand the direction and ethicalness of bioinformatics and genetic screening. In this essay I explore the genetic and ethical considerations of prenatal genetic testing.