Prenatal genetic testing kits sold at your local pharmacy: promoting autonomy or promoting confusion?

Article Abstract:

Research groups around the world are developing non-invasive methods of prenatal genetic diagnosis, in which foetal cells are obtained by maternal blood test. Meanwhile, an increasing number of genetic tests are sold directly to the public. I extrapolate from these developments to consider a scenario in which PNGD self-testing kits are sold directly to the public. Given the opposition to over-the-counter genetic tests and the continuing controversy surrounding PNGD, it is reasonable to expect objections to PNGD self-testing kits. I focus on one potential objection, that PNGD self-testing kits would undermine the autonomy of potential test subjects. More specifically, that 'direct to the public' PNGD would fail to ensure that consumers exercise autonomy in the following PNGD-related choices: o Should I use PNGD? o Based on the results of the PNGD test, should I continue or terminate my pregnancy? Under the current system, PNGD is provided by health care practitioners, who are required to counsel women both before and after the test. In contrast, 'direct to the public' PNGD would allow women to make their PNGD-related decisions outside the context of the health care system. I compare these two decision-making contexts, arguing that the health care system is not unequivocally better at promoting the autonomy of potential test subjects. Therefore the promotion of autonomy does not constitute a strong argument against such test kits. Other objections may be more persuasive, so I do not offer an overall assessment of the acceptability of 'direct to the public' PNGD.

Methods, Usage, Diagnostic equipment (Medical), Prenatal diagnosis

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Reimagining the law

Article Abstract:

The absence of legal conceptualization of business ethics is explored, focusing on the epistemology and image of law in social consciousness. Topics include how this absence creates a failure to relate law to ethics.

Laws, regulations and rules, Law, Ethical aspects, Ethics, Law and ethics

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Making the case for human life extension: personal arguments

Article Abstract:

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Life Sciences, Longevity, Life spans (Biology), Life span (Biology), Author abstract

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