Genetic Testing for Late-Onset Disorders

1726 Words7 Pages
Should children at risk for late-onset disorders (such as Huntington’s disease) be genetically tested at the request of their parents? While many parents would say yes, there is in fact a very good case against early disclosure. It violates the child’s rights to an open future. All children should have the opportunities to live their lives the way they choose. Testing positive for a disease would restrict these opportunities. In this paper, I argue that genetic testing for late-onset disorders shouldn’t be allowed. I acknowledge that this may worsen the relationships within the family, but show that there are more beneficial consequences than come with allowing the child to make their own personal decisions. Dina Davis believes that genetic testing for late-onset diseases violates the child’s rights. First, it disrespects the child’s right to make her own decisions. She argues that the decision to get tested should come from the child, not the parents. She states that this decision isn’t easy, and that everyone has different opinions and conclusions. Some people would rather live in uncertainty, while others would rather live in certainty. This is a choice that can only be made by the individual herself (Davis 99). Second, Davis believes that genetic testing violates the child’s privacy. Having her genetic status known has many disadvantages. It could expose her to discrimination and stigmatization. It could also add difficulties on obtaining employment and insurance. (Davis 105). For Davis, violating both of these rights restrict the child’s future. I would like to extend Davis’ argument to other rights. It also violates the child’s right not to know. Children, and all other people, should have the right not to know their genetic information. They shouldn’t be exposed to knowledge that they don’t want, especially when it comes to
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