Kimberly A. Quaid and David H. Smith - Early Warning: Cases and Ethical Guidance for Presymptomatic Testing in Genetic Diseases

Genetic testing can identify diseases, such as Huntington disease, that are linked to genetic defects. For people at risk for a genetic disorder -- and for those who counsel them -- genetic testing raises difficult ethical concerns. As we increase our ability to predict the likely onset later in life of a genetic disease, what should we do with this knowledge? This book presents 29 case studies that identify the most important ethical issues that are likely to emerge from new technologies of genetic testing and develops a series of guidelines based on the case studies. By providing the clinical origins and rationale behind each of its recommendations, the book will help readers think through the ethical issues and assist them in the development of additional guidelines.