GW Law Faculty Publications & Other Works

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2002

Status

Accepted

Abstract

As testing for late-onset genetic conditions becomes increasingly available, concerns have been raised about the psychosocial costs of obtaining such genetic information. Anxiety and distress can result from testing that offers only probabilistic results as to whether and when the condition will develop, especially when treatment is limited or unavailable. Many have therefore urged caution regarding late-onset testing, suggesting that knowledge can sometimes be toxic. This article argues that the same circumspection does not exist with respect to prenatal testing, which has become de rigeur as a result of a complex mix of norms within the medical community, society, and the legal profession. Unfortunately, for many patients, this routinization of prenatal testing has made true choice illusive and impoverished the informed consent process. Patients often fail to consider the possibility of not undergoing testing and many are unaware of the emotional implications of such testing and are unprepared for the difficult choices they may face. The article concludes with some comments about the broader social implications of this routinization, suggesting that the diminished informed consent process has contributed to an inability to discuss the moral dimensions of reproductive technology today and in the future.

GW Paper Series

GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 54; GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 54

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