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Genetic testing of children: confluence or collision between parents and professionals?
1MGH Institute of Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA. jtwomey@partners.org
Insights
Genetic testing for minor children raises ethical concerns, but strict regulations lack supporting data. Alternative ethical theories offer guidance for nurses navigating this complex area of genetic care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Genetics
- Bioethics
Background:
- Nursing faces challenges in leading genetic knowledge development.
- The profession must advocate for proper use of genetic care practices.
- Genetic testing of minor children presents largely unregulated challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the ethical considerations of genetic testing in minor children.
- To argue against strict regulations due to limited supporting data.
- To explore alternative ethical theories for nursing guidance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on genetic testing of minors.
- Analysis of psychological and bioethical concerns.
- Application of alternative ethical theories.
Main Results:
- Limited data exists to support strict regulations on pediatric genetic testing.
- Parental choice in testing minor children is a contentious issue.
- Alternative ethical frameworks can guide nursing practice.
Conclusions:
- Strict regulations for genetic testing of minors are not well-supported by current data.
- Nurses can utilize alternative ethical theories to navigate complex genetic care decisions.
- Further research is needed to inform guidelines on genetic testing for children.
Abstract:
Nursing has been challenged to lead in all areas of knowledge development in genetics. In addition to participation in genetic counseling and research, the profession must be an advocate for the proper use of new clinical practices in genetic care. One of these areas is the largely unregulated practice of genetic testing of minor children. Psychological and bioethical concerns have been raised about testing children at parental request when no immediate benefit will result. Several professional bodies have urged the adoption of guidelines that would limit parental choice in the testing process. This article argues that little data exists to support the creation of strict regulations, and also notes that analysis of this issue through the use of alternative ethical theory can yield useful directions for nurses attempting to navigate this controversial topic.