Genetic Testing How Far Will Parents Go

Genetic Testing

How far will parents go to secure a better life for their child? Genetic testing has the potential to improve the lives of all human beings. By testing the genes of newborn, or even unborn children, parents and doctors can learn a lot about the predispositions the child might have towards certain conditions. This information can prove to be valuable in terms of setting out a course in life that can minimize the risk the child might have. There are, however, some legitimate concerns about the use of genetic testing, especially in unborn children. However, when used properly, genetic testing can be a valuable medical tool. Genetic testing should be used by parents to improve the health of their children.

Prevention of Future Diseases

Genetic testing provides information about genetic defects that we all carry. This information describes the predispositions that individuals have to specific conditions. With this knowledge, parents can guide their children towards choices that will result in improved lives (Stein, 2012, 1). For example, children predisposed to obesity can be guided to sports at an early age, and taught better dietary habits. Children predisposed to skin cancer can see reduced sun exposure at an early age. Pakenham (n.d.) also notes that this knowledge can help scientists to find cures for these ailments, and for doctors to diagnose them more quickly in people, leading to better treatment. These are examples of how genetic testing can be used to help reduce the risk of future diseases and conditions, thereby improving the quality and length of life of the child.

Too Costly?

At present, genetic testing is a relatively costly procedure. This implies that the costs of the testing will outweigh the benefits to the child, especially since those benefits will occur decades later in life. However, the cost of genetic testing is declining, such that it is becoming increasingly affordable. In addition, when good habits are adopted early in life, the benefits can begin to accrue early. Avoiding obesity, alcoholism and other conditions that are negatively correlated with success in life can help the child from the outset to live a better life.

Excessive Parenting?

There are many risks associated with making genetic testing widespread. Stein (2012, 2) notes that some parents could choose to end a pregnancy based on a lack of desirable traits in the child. Also, parents already overreact to feedback about their children's health, and having genetic information will only exacerbate this problem. The fact that there are people who will react to this information poorly, but this should not negate the fact that most parents will make better decisions for their children. If genetic testing can help create a society where people work to mitigate risks, remember that most risks are made worse by preventable negative behaviors -- drug and alcohol abuse, lack of exercise, poor diet and lack of medical attention. If people can be induced to take better care of their children and of themselves, then genetic testing will have a net benefit to society despite the negative efforts of a few.

Benefits

Genetic testing has considerable benefits to most people. Clearly, the more information that one has about him or herself or child, the more the likelihood of better decisions being made. Genetic testing will guide people to avoid specific risk factors. Genetic testing also arms people with the knowledge that they need to make better life choices. People will learn to deal with this information as it becomes commonplace, which it most likely will. The results will be mainly positive, and will be positive for most people.