Genetic Profiling and Genetic Technology Essay

Genetic Technology and Genetic Profiling
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Genetic Technology and Genetic Profiling
Discussion 1
Invasive prenatal diagnosis is commonly carried out to assess fetal chromosome. This helps to identify various chromosomal problems. A number of monogenic diseases can be identified though prenatal diagnosis by either biochemical or genetic testing, depending on the specific disease being sought. Currently, multi-factorial and polygenic diseases cannot be perfectly diagnosed by genetic testing, although various malformations can be confirmed by ultrasonography. Prenatal diagnosis is carried out because of reasons such as maternal age (the probability of chromosomal problems increases with maternal age); following an ultrasound results that reveal a possibility of chromosomal abnormality; following an abnormal findings from non-invasive screening; and in case of a chromosomal anomaly an any of the couple`s children (Abramsky & Chapple, 2003).
Prenatal diagnosis has raised a number of essential ethical issues related generally to diagnostic testing and some related to special circumstances of pregnancy. These issues can only be addressed effectively by paying some consideration to the goals of prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis rarely leads to treatment beneficial to the fetus, but in most cases, it is beneficial to the pregnant woman, specifically the information provided increases her ability to make sound decisions regarding her reproductive matters. However, this testing can limit the woman`s sense of control over the decision made about her pregnancy. Third parties can also get access to private information regarding the pregnant woman (Fischmann & Hildt, 2011). It is my thinking that the process should involve intensive counseling and follow-up and the patient`s decision should be respected.
Discussion 2
Genetic profiling involves identification of a person`s genetic characteristics through a thorough analysis o...