Ethics of a predictive test for Huntington's chorea

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Genetics
• Neurology

Background:

• A 1978 British Medical Journal (BMJ) call highlighted the need for ethical guidelines regarding predictive genetic testing.
• Huntington's chorea is an incurable, hereditary neurological disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize the dispersed literature on the ethical debate surrounding predictive testing for Huntington's chorea.
• To inform the ongoing discussion on professional guidelines for genetic testing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of "Index Medicus" and 18 other publications.
• Analysis of ethical viewpoints within the medical profession regarding predictive genetic testing.

Main Results:

• The medical profession exhibits significant division regarding the ethical implications of predictive Huntington's chorea testing.
• Some physicians utilize the test to counsel individuals with a family history to postpone procreation.
• Others advocate for withholding the test until effective treatments or a cure become available.

Conclusions:

• Further informed debate is necessary for the development of broadly accepted professional guidelines on predictive genetic testing for Huntington's chorea.
• The ethical considerations involve balancing reproductive autonomy with the potential psychological and social impacts of genetic information.