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What is Genetic Screening?
Genetic screening is a broad term covering many different processes. These processes
break down further with many possible tests that test for genetic abnormalities in people. Genetic screening can
be done in the womb, on infants, or on fully grown adults. The purpose of genetic screening is to detect genetic abnormalities
that may lead to serious or fatal diseases or abnormalities. The early discovery and treatment of these problems can
lead to a much better quality of life for the person affected, or can prevent a certain trait from being passed on to offspring.
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What's the Big Deal?
There are several types
of genetic screening. Prenatal genetic screening is done prior to birth, while the fetus is still in the womb.
Or in the case of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), even before an embryo is artificially inseminated into the
mother. Newborn genetic screening occurs just after the baby is born. Blood samples are tested for numerous genetic
disorders in order to give the infants a better chance at a healthy life if they do have a disorder.
Like any other new scientific technology, genetic
screening has numerous possible uses. It has almost limitless opportunities to improve the quality of life of those
who can be diagnosed early. Genetic screening may also help identify people and couples who are at risk for certain
genetic disorders and birth defects, so these defects aren't passed along to offspring. However, as with any
powerful technology, it has the possibility to be abused. There are a great many ethical issues associated with
genetic screening, such as the possibility that employers could fire employees with family traits for certain diseases.
Only the future will tell how we decide to use this almost limitless technology.
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