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1 October 2016 Ethical and Social Implications of Current Prenatal Genetic Testing
Azumi Tsuge
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Abstract

A new prenatal genetic testing technique using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma, the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (or NIPT), was introduced in Japan in 2013. The NIPT is easy and safe but not definitive; it also has high sensitivity and specificity under certain conditions. In the near future, it could be used not only for detecting chromosomal aneuploidy, but also complete genome analysis of the fetus. However, termination of pregnancy is the only option for those wanting to avoid having a baby with a chromosomal anomaly or a genetic disease. Given this situation, this review explores the ethical and social issues surrounding prenatal genetic testing focusing on three points: 1) selective abortion as an ethical issue, 2) informed consent and decision making, and 3) alternative perspectives on prenatal testing.

©2016 Japan Society for Ova Research
Azumi Tsuge "Ethical and Social Implications of Current Prenatal Genetic Testing," Journal of Mammalian Ova Research 33(2), 109-113, (1 October 2016). https://doi.org/10.1274/jmor.33.109
Received: 25 April 2016; Accepted: 1 June 2016; Published: 1 October 2016
JOURNAL ARTICLE
5 PAGES

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KEYWORDS
Disability rights movement
NIPT
Prenatal genetic testing
selective abortion
Women's decision making
Wrongful birth trial
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