18.04.11
Gene tests for children
A study has found that parents want to be able to genetically test their children, with the benefits of such a procedure valued more highly than the possible costs.
The results showed that: "parents offered the genetic susceptibility test for common preventable conditions tended to consider that the potential benefits of this test for their own child could outweigh its risks.”
The positive consequences include reassurance if the test is clear, and knowledge and prevention if there are potential problems. However these benefits need to be weighed against an invasion of privacy and psychological discomfort.
Genewatch UK, the genetic science lobby group, suggests that parents should not be allowed to make that decision for their children. Spokesperson Helen Wallace said: "Children should not be tested for risk of adult-onset conditions, full stop. They should be allowed to decide for themselves, with medical advice, when they are grown up."
The BMA is worried that parents will not be able to interpret test results accurately without the help of heath professionals if genetic testing is made freely available online.
The study, by scientists at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and published in the journal Pediatrics, encourages more awareness of the issue.
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