Prenatal Genetic Tests: The Future of Procreation Essay

There are many strengths to genetic engineering, but with many strengths there are also weaknesses. . The technology of pre-implantation of genetic diagnosis (PGD), is currently used by some people at risk of passing serious genetic disorders on to their children. They have a collection of embryos created for them by In Vitro

Genetic testing existed even before the commencement of the Human Genome Project but has rapidly increased in its abilities with the newly discovered information the project provides. The US Task Force describes genetic testing as "the analyses of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes" (Zimmern, 1999). Prior to the advances in genetic testing technology diagnosis of disease was "based upon observation of the patientís condition, supported by the results of laboratory tests on blood and tissue samples" and sometimes a family history study (Mehlman, 1998). Now genetic testing doesnít require such extensive searching. It is possible to detect the presence of or probability of developing genetic disorders. "Diseases amenable to genetic testingÖinclude heritable conditions, acquired genetic conditions and diseases caused by infectious agents" (Mehlman, 1998).

Gross, S., & McKanna, T. (2015). The evolution of prenatal genetic testing. MLO: Medical Laboratory Observer, 47(5), 14. Retried from

Lippman, Abby. "Prenatal and Genetic Testing: Constructing Needs and Reinforcing Inequities." American Journal of Law and Medicine (n.d.): n. pag. Web. Nov. 2014. <http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/amlmed17&div=8&g_sent=1&collection=journals#23>.

As of today, “testing is 98-99% accurate for most couples.” (“preimplantation genetic diagnosis”). However, it is difficult to determine the correct percent of success rate, because the accuracy, the procedure will vary in different situations. Also, in some circumstances, none of the embryos are suitable to alter. Embryos are not acceptable for the womb if they are not fertilized correctly, if they have not developed to the blastocyst stage, if they do not survive the biopsy or if all of the embryos were affected by the genetic condition. Another method of designing children is a three parent baby, indicating an individual with three genetic parents. The embryo is devised through a special form of in-vitro fertilization, representing the baby’s mitochondrial DNA is from a third party. This procedure is applied to prohibit against mitochondrial diseases. The majority of a three parent babies DNA comes from the parents, but a tiny amount of the child’s DNA comes from a female donor.

Is genetic testing really important? Genetic testing is a procedure that helps detect many genetic problems or diseases. Genetic testing is very important and needs to be done to every pregnancy and every human being for genetic diseases. These diseases include sickle cell, diabetes, and Down syndrome. I love genetic testing because I knew that my son had Down Syndrome before I was three months pregnant. I was able to prepare myself as for how my child would be developed and how it’ll affect him for the rest of his life. This disease will not only affect him but me as well. This type of testing can detect Down Syndrome, help people find their unknown family, but the bad part is that not all people can afford for these tests. What if someone

All parents should have the choice to let their child be tested for future health problems and it should not be a law. We do not know what the future truly holds for technology and health issues. The testing of genetics should continue though because of those parents like of Cora, who have given that consent to find future health issues. The people who are in charge of the genetic testing need to inform those that it may not be a 100% accurate, the risks of finding something that has no cure, and the possible future hacking along with genetic

Pakenham et al. (2013) Write that genetic tests create controversial and ethical issues, although they give some positive information about genes mutation by testing gene, successful treatment is still limited. Because of this, patients are in a dilemma

Prenatal genetic testing has come a long way from the 1930s, it has gone from only having one test capable of detecting only a couple genetic disorders/disease, to now being able to detect just about any genetic disorder/disease, and it is still progressing into the future. In the 20th century, there for only four to five techniques used, however most of these techniques were not completely accurate, but into the 21st century we saw a few new techniques added along with the older ones becoming more accurate in order to plan for a termination or for the future of the fetus. Scientists have been adding to these techniques every day, finding new markers for small changes in the genome and connecting those to genetic disorders that could develop

Genetic Engineering is manipulation of DNA to produce new organisms, either by inserting or deleting certain genes. Disease has a genetic component it is either inherited or contracted from the body’s response to viruses. Human genetic engineering goes through a process called Preimplantation Genetic Selection or PGS. Some examples of disorders or diseases that can be tested are Down Syndrome, Huntington’s disease, HIV, some forms of genetic blindness, sickle cell anemia, and Hemophilia. Many parents want to find out if they’re babies will be born with diseases, when they find out many want ways to prevent their children form getting that disease. Many follow up with different doctors to find out how to go through the process. Now there are

“There are more than 1,000 genetic tests that are currently in use, and more are being developed”. “Genetic testing is voluntary. Genetic testing has benefits as well as limitations and risks, the decision about whether to be tested is a personal and complex one.” What are some of the types of genetic tests that can be done? “Newborn screening is one type and can be done shortly after birth to identify

For those of you who don’t know what genetic engineering is and how it works here is some background information. There are several forms of genetic testing and we will focus on two, molecular and chromosomal genetic tests, which test for genetic mutations likewise. Molecular genetic tests allow doctors to see if the patient's DNA has a mutation that can lead to a genetic disease such as Tay-Sachs caused by the body's inability by DNA mutation. Chromosomal tests allow doctors to look at the chromosomes to determine if there is a mutation such as an extra chromosome that will lead to genetic diseases like Down Syndrome caused by containing an extra chromosome. Through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), we have been able to know

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a reproductive procedure involving the screening of IVF-produced embryos to identify any mutations in the DNA and therefore serious genetic defects before implantation. PGD is used to diagnose embryos that may be affected with inherited single gene disorders (e.g. cystic fibrosis) and sex linked disorders (e.g. haemophilia), resulting in the exclusion of the embryos which contain an obvious genetic disorder. Many blastocysts have the wrong number of chromosomes (aneuploidy), which can lead to miscarriages, birth defects and other problems, so PGD is used to select the best embryo/s to transfer into the woman’s uterus - In younger women, 30-40% of all blastocysts are aneuploid, and by age 43-45, the

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with assistants from IVF meets this demand. PGD is a reproductive option for those who do not want to pass on specific genetic disorders or chromosome imbalance to their offspring. After undergoing IVF, embryologist’s will screen the embryos DNA. Embryo’s which contain obvious genetic abnormalities will be excluded and unaffected embryo’s will be transferred to the uterus; therefore, the patient can

The use of genetics and reproduction sciences has been an ongoing debate for years. Some argue that the use of genetics and reproduction sciences are unjust, unethical and inhumane. The other side of the debate argues that the use of such sciences is a “life saver”, that it will improve medical advancements, health, and society. Genetics and reproduction sciences are used for informing individuals about possible outcomes, abnormalities, and genes of current and future pregnancies. Genetic testing analyzes chromosomes, DNA, proteins, and genes to determine the presences of altering genes that cause disease or disorders. The sole purpose for using genetic testing is that is can confirm or rule out suspected genetic conditions. The test will help determine the probability of chance of developing or passing on the disorder.