Book Review

Genetic Testing and Screening

Among the most challenging and complex aspects of genetic counseling are the applications of personal moral perspectives to specific problems in diagnosis or screening. This is a problem that has little support or tradition, though the increasingly rapid changes in technology now make us face unforeseen problems which affect us personally, our families, our community and our religion. This book, prepared by geneticists and theologians of the Lutheran church, help address a lack of literature which can help in our decision processes. Examples of genetic diseases are given and case histories illustrate the difficult decisions that face affected families and the communities to which they belong. Many difficult issues are raised. What is the value to parents and to the unborn baby of prenatal genetic testing? Under what circumstances should genetic carrier testing be done? Is it morally acceptable to terminate pregnancies in order to work toward conceiving a child with traits you want? Should all people, regardless of financial resources, have access to genetic testing? Should genetic information be used by anyone other than the physician and patient? Do the psychological implications of offering testing for late-onset disorders outweigh any benefits from the testing? Should we make genetically flawless offspring a societal goal? Can we afford the cost to produce a genetically healthy populace? Who will decide what is genetically valuable? This book is a valuable resource both for the lay public who is trying to deal with the significance and impact of genetic testing and for geneticists, doctors and clergy who must counsel the public on how to face and understand the many nuances of genetic testing and screening.

Roger A. Willer, Editor 1998

Kirk House Publishers, 210 pp.

ISBN 1-886513-11-2

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  26 Aug 1999
• Date of issue
  June 1999