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Abstract:
Advances in medical science are occurring at an astounding rate. Genetics has seen many recent breakthroughs. It is now possible to determine whether an individual has genes which predispose him to a genetic disease or whether a person is a carrier of a genetic disease. This information can be very useful, as it aids individuals in determining the likelihood that their children will be afflicted with a genetic disease. Because these medical advances enable people to predict the incidence of genetic defects and consequently to choose whether or not to reproduce, it has been proposed that genetic screening tests should be required for all individuals before they are issued a marriage license. This proposal, however, presents many legal, ethical and moral problems which need to be considered before such a requirement is instituted.