From clinical genetics to genomic-based public health screening programmes: duty-based ethics as a guide for...

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Public Health
• Bioethics
• Population Health Management

Background:

• Renewed emphasis on disease prevention highlights the role of genomics.
• European policymakers and health services are exploring population-level genomic initiatives.
• Initiatives include newborn genomic screening and polygenic risk scores for early disease detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore ethical considerations in designing genomic screening programs.
• To apply a duty-based ethics lens to genomic screening program design.
• To ensure equitable and responsible implementation of genomic medicine in public health.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis using a duty-based framework.
• Review of current and proposed population-level genomic screening initiatives.
• Discussion of ethical challenges in genomic medicine implementation.

Main Results:

• Genomic screening offers significant potential for disease prevention and early detection.
• Duty-based ethics highlights obligations in program design, data handling, and participant consent.
• Potential for inequitable outcomes if ethical frameworks are not robust.

Conclusions:

• A robust ethical framework is essential for the responsible integration of genomic medicine into public health.
• Equitable realization of genomic medicine's benefits requires careful consideration of ethical principles.
• Proactive ethical deliberation is necessary as genomic screening becomes a public health strategy.