The principle of double effect, genetic testing, and global developmental delay

Area of Science:

• Pediatric medicine
• Medical ethics
• Clinical genetics

Background:

• Diagnosing developmental delay in children can lead to unintended negative consequences for families.
• Clinicians face moral dilemmas balancing potential benefits against foreseen harms.

Observation:

• Investigating global developmental delay involves genetic testing with unavoidable negative outcomes.
• Ethical decision-making in these cases is complex and not always clear-cut.

Findings:

• A modified principle of double effect provides a framework for ethical deliberation.
• This principle aids in navigating the moral complexities of genetic testing for developmental delay.

Implications:

• Recognizing and discussing these ethical dilemmas with families is crucial.
• Structured dialogue and ethical frameworks like the principle of double effect can guide clinical practice.