Verified Document

Genetic Testing How Far Will Parents Go Essay

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...

Parts of this document are hidden

View Full Document
svg-one

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.…

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited:

Pakenham, K. (no date). Medicine and genetic research. In possession of the author

Stein, R. (2012). Genome sequencing for babies brings knowledge and conflicts. NPR. Retrieved February 15, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/03/165272373/genome-sequencing-for-babies-brings-knowledge-and-conflicts-utm_source=NPR&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=20121203

Stein, R. (2012) Perfection is skin deep: Everyone has flawed genes. NPR. Retrieved February 15, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/06/166648187/perfection-is-skin-deep-everyone-has-flawed-genes
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Genetic Testing
Words: 1596 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Genetic Testing: Identifying Associating Issues This paper will examine Shelley Burtt's writing "Dilemmas of Genetic Testing" as well as other sources on the subject of genetic testing. After having examined the resources available an opinion will be formed as to whether genetic testing is positive or negative for the patient and the expected child. Genetic testing is becoming an option more commonly used by women during pregnancies to assess particular information concerning

Genetic Testing Is Concept That
Words: 560 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

The genetic testing is used to measure the percentage or level of any risk associated to one's life. By studying gene mutation, it is predictable that a certain disease is likely to be occurring in future. However you may not find any symptoms of diseases until you do not suffer from it. (Mayo clinic staff, 2006). So with the help of genetic testing you can find all possible disease a

Genetic Testing Prenatal Diagnosis Serves a Variety
Words: 635 Length: 2 Document Type: Term Paper

Genetic Testing Prenatal diagnosis serves a variety of purposes and I believe in its fundamental purpose it is good. In some cases, prenatal genetic testing can lead to timely medical intervention to mitigate or eliminate disease such as with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or a-thalassemia. In some cases, prenatal diagnosis reveals a lethal condition, such as anencephaly, trisomy 13, or trisomy 18. The choice to do genetic testing in the beginning is

Genetic Testing and Genetic
Words: 2111 Length: 4 Document Type: Term Paper

Genetic counseling involves the sharing vital information and knowledge by experienced and well trained experts in the field of genetics for individuals with high risks of suffering some genetic disorders or transferring it to their children. It is the responsibility of a genetic counselor to provide relevant information concerning the hereditary nature of certain diseases and their risks of reoccurrence; addresses the concerns of patients, their health care providers and

Genetic Testing
Words: 1444 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Prenatal genetic testing can prove useful to many expectant mothers under certain conditions. For example, those with inherited illnesses, those with children born with severe defects, those who are high risk of delivering a still born, and women over the age of 34 all present as likely candidates for prenatal genetic testing. It can help them identify what may be wrong with the fetus and what steps to take if

Genetic Testing
Words: 641 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Genetic testing is a term used to refer to some type of medical test carried out to identify changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins. It is also known as DNA testing as it helps to detect changes in chromosome structure or DNA sequence. Over the past few decades, this biotechnology has become more popular to an extent that various genetic tests have emerged and expanded. Despite its popularity, genetic testing

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now