Genetic Information - Values and Rights: The Morality of Presymptomatic Genetic Testing - Softcover

Juth, Niklas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3846588814 ISBN 13: 9783846588819

Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012

Synopsis

This book discusses the moral concerns due to the increasing possibilities to predict individuals’ health on the basis of genetic testing. To what extent should such testing be performed? Which parties should be allowed to gain access to the results of such testing? The scope and limits of patients’ right to know and not know are presented. It is also argued that patients’ value of presymptomatic genetic testing ultimately rests on autonomy and subjective well-being. Moreover, a conception of autonomy is developed, which is useful to analyse the novel idea in this area that autonomy is a value that should be promoted. Regarding the question of blood relatives’ rights to genetic information, it is argued that we should generally leave the decision to inform relatives to the tested person. The idea that genetic information belongs to a new paradigm of medical information that is communal in its nature is criticized. Broader societal questions regarding e.g. insurance companies’ right to genetic information are also discussed. It is argued that the development of genetics strengthens the need for and defence of a comprehensive welfare state.

About this title

About the Author

Niklas Juth is a senior lecturer and researcher in medical ethics at Karolinska Institutet. His main research interests are in ethics and bioethics, genethics, and the intersection between political philosophy and medical ethics, e.g. autonomy and justice in health care.

Edition details

• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3846588814
• ISBN 13: 9783846588819
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 484