Morality of Genetic Testing Although

¶ … Morality of Genetic Testing

Although science technology has offered many improvements for societies, it has also created an entirely new batch of moral dilemmas. One of these moral dilemmas is associated with medical technology that now allowed us to know whether or not a person has the genes to develop a disease before that person actually develops the disease. In this situation, Harry is reasonably likely to have Huntington's disease because his father had it before him, but Harry prefers not to undergo genetic testing, even though he plans to marry and have a family. Whether or not Harry is morally required to take the test forces one to consider at least three individuals -- Harry, his future spouse, and their future child or children. Harry's desire not to get the testing is not borne out of selfishness or a desire to deceive his future family. Instead, it can be assumed that Harry's desire to refrain from testing is sprung from his witnessing his father's struggle with Huntington's disease. After watching a person he loves degenerate in such a fashion, it is understandable that Harry would not want to know that a similar fate awaited him. Thus, considering Harry alone, this becomes a case of confidentiality and autonomy. If Harry knew that he had the gene responsible for Huntington's, it's likely that he would be unable to live a normal life until the point that the disease took over. With the weight of the disease hanging over his head, his quality of life and ability to function would deteriorate almost as much as if he actually had the disease. Thus, for Harry alone, it is not immoral to refuse the testing.

When Harry decides to get married and start a family, however, he is no longer the only person with an interest in this case. The welfare of his future spouse is also now a factor. Assuming Harry's soon-to-be wife knows of his father's condition and his decision to refuse the genetic testing, his cannot be morally compelled to do so. In this scenario, Harry's partner has knowledge of what may be in store for her, and she chooses to honor Harry's wishes above her own preparation for the future of her life. In this case, Harry also has no moral obligation to receive genetic testing. Although another argument would state that Harry is morally required to disclose to his wife that she may have to deal with the monumental task of caring for a person with Huntington's disease before they are married, Harry and his fiancee are both consenting adults. If she does not demand to know, she cannot hold him responsible in the future. Where Harry does become responsible for getting the genetic testing is when his future children are considered. Harry is morally required to determine whether he will not only be unable to care for his children because of an early struggle with the disease and death, but also whether or not he will pass the disease along to them. If Harry does not get the testing, he subjects his unborn children to the possibility of a life of pain and suffering both emotionally and physically. The unborn children cannot make a decision as to whether they would be willing to deal with such a circumstance. Thus, Harry is morally required to get the test if he is considering having children. Further, he is morally required to prevent having children if he is found to be carrying the gene. Opponents to this argument would suggest that the decision to have children is left up to Harry and his fiancee alone. However, this is not moral because it involves the life of another who will be able to feel emotional and physical pain.