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...

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

Eugenics Genetic Enhancement and Eugenics the Word
Words: 1490 Length: 5 Document Type: Term Paper

Eugenics Genetic Enhancement and Eugenics The word "eugenics" was coined in 1883 by the English scientist Francis Galton, a cousin of Charles Darwin. He intended it to denote the "science" of improving the human stock by giving "the more suitable races or strains of blood a better chance of prevailing speedily over the less suitable." Since Galton's day, "eugenics" has become a word of ugly connotations -- and deservedly. Eugenic aims merged

Atomic Testing Though Modern People
Words: 11346 Length: 35 Document Type: Research Proposal

The First Nuclear Test Of course, the first nuclear test occurred before the 1950s and was part of the United States' effort to develop an atomic weapon during World War II. This test occurred at 5:30 A.M. On July 16, 1945, at a missile range outside of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Even that test was enough to convince a large group of scientists that the atomic weapon was a dangerous and powerful

Down's Syndrome Is Basically a Genetic Disease
Words: 2500 Length: 8 Document Type: Research Paper

Down's syndrome is basically a genetic disease that is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome. The chromosome that is defaulted in this syndrome is chromosome number twenty-one. It has been seen that Down's syndrome is one of the most common chromosome disease that is seen in humans. The major striking features of this disorder are physical and mental growth delay. It should be noted that the children appear

Cloning Is the Production of
Words: 1554 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

Scientific research and specifically cloning is protected as a first amendment right, coupled with the benefits available with this technology, and the unimaginable benefits that can be reaped in the future, cloning is the hope of the future, despite the worries of critics. References After Dolly: The Uses and Misuses of Human Cloning." The Futurist 40(4) Jul-Aug 2006: p. 62. InfoTrac database. Thomson-Gale. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. July 5, 2006

Human Genome Project May Be
Words: 2793 Length: 8 Document Type: Thesis

Since the antigens are closely linked to race and ethnicity, it is much easier to find a biological match among people with similar ethnic and racial backgrounds than it is among any two randomly selected individuals. On the basis of tissue matching, organs from blacks will almost always go to blacks and organs from whites will almost always go to whites. Blacks, however, have a much higher incidence of

Wrongful Life / Damages Debate
Words: 3333 Length: 11 Document Type: Assessment

It must be considered, as well, that genetic testing is a somewhat newer thing and the results can be skewed; so even if a doctor did do a test and results came up negative, there is a chance something could have been positive. Is the doctor responsible for the fact that the test didn't find any genetic problems? It would be absolutely nonsensical to think that the doctor should be

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