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Reproductive carrier screening: responding to the eugenics critique
1Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia lisa.dive@sydney.edu.au.
Journal of Medical Ethics
|July 10, 2021
Summary
Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RCS) faces eugenics critiques. Ethical screening requires addressing societal norms, not just individual choice, to avoid negative perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Bioethics
- Public Health
Background:
- Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RCS) is increasingly offered universally.
- Widespread RCS and expanded gene panels raise concerns about eugenics perceptions.
- Historical eugenics programs focused on improving population genetics.
Observation:
- RCS is critiqued as a form of eugenics when offered broadly.
- Current defenses of RCS emphasize voluntary participation and reproductive autonomy.
- This defense is considered insufficient to address eugenics concerns.
Findings:
- Avoiding the perception of eugenics requires examining the broader context of reproductive decisions.
- Ethical RCS must acknowledge and address its potential to influence societal norms.
- Past eugenics programs committed specific ethical wrongs that must be understood.
Implications:
- RCS programs need to be designed to avoid unintended negative societal impacts.
- Bioethical frameworks must evolve to guide universal genetic screening practices.
- Ensuring ethical reproductive genetic screening is crucial for public trust in medical genetics.
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