Genetic Testing Prenatal Diagnosis Serves a Variety

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 always individual. My choice, however, would be to have it done.

I'm for genetic testing for several reasons. Prenatal diagnosis allows families and medical professionals to prepare for the care of a child with special needs. This may be preparing neonatal care or preparing emotionally for the arrival of a special needs child. Prenatal diagnosis of a disease may also give parents time to educate themselves on the disorder of their child. Genetic testing also gives parents the option of terminating a pregnancy, after considering the impact of the diagnosis in the context of their cultural beliefs and personal situation.

As we can see, genetic testing does serve as a useful tool of both science and medicine. And, genetic testing is a choice. When parents choose to have the genetic testing, they are welcoming the possibility of a whole new set of even more difficult choices. This may or may not include terminating the pregnancy, but it should always be thought through before going through the testing.

My personal opinion coincides with the majority of the population -- I believe in prenatal testing and the determination of severe abnormalities in a fetus. I would never want to subject any child to a disease in which the consequences are severe and detrimental as well as something the child has no control over. To me, this would be completely selfish as a parent. Needless suffering is almost never necessary and that's exactly what a child would endure if subjected to such a life. Especially, if such a life has been predicted by prenatal test, and consequently chosen.

While prenatal testing comes with its own set of dangers, I believe the benefits far outweigh the negative aspects of the testing. If a child has a fatal destiny, I believe it's best to know that from the beginning. My opinion would be the same had I just been issued the same news regarding my own child. Even though I would mourn the loss of my child, that pain would be far less than would be if I chose to bring my child into the world to suffer. Of course, that isn't the choice I would want to make -- I would want he or she to live. But that would be purely selfish on my part; I would try and do the best for the child despite my sorrow. And unfortunately, that could include ending their young life before it has even had a chance to begin.