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Offering Prenatal Testing for Adult-Onset Diseases (Argument AGAINST)
1Divisions of Medical Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Pediatrics, and Human Genetics, UCLA School of Medicine, UCLA Institute for Society and Genetics, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories and Clinical Genomics Center, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Prenatal genetic testing is expanding, but screening for adult-onset diseases is not recommended. This approach raises concerns about equity, healthcare burden, and psychosocial impact.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Reproductive Health
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Next-generation DNA sequencing has led to widespread adoption of expanded carrier screening during pregnancy.
- Current prenatal screening primarily focuses on diseases posing risks to newborns or young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the justification and desirability of prenatal testing for adult-onset diseases.
- To analyze the implications of such testing on equity, healthcare systems, and psychosocial well-being.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and ethical analysis.
- Examination of current guidelines and ACOG definitions of prenatal care.
- Consideration of downstream healthcare and psychosocial effects.
Main Results:
- Prenatal screening is defined as a preventive service for infant health, not adult health.
- Testing for adult-onset diseases lacks justification in the prenatal setting without a family history.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal testing for adult-onset conditions is not ethically or practically supported.
- Such testing may create undue burdens and inequities within the healthcare system and for families.
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