The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 12, Issue 8, Page 30-31, August 2012.

The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 12, Issue 8, Page 38-39, August 2012.

The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 12, Issue 8, Page 40-41, August 2012.

This text is about obtaining and sharing genetic information when there is a potential conflict of interests between patients and their families and relatives. The patient or, in this text, the “index-person,” is someone who is considering obtaining or already has obtained genetic information about herself through genetic testing.The index-person can have several reasons to take an interest in obtaining her genetic information. She may want to know if she has a genetic predisposition for a disorder in order to take (...) measures for preventing its development. Even if there are no preventive measures, as is the case with Huntington's disease, for instance, she may still want to know whether she has the mutation, in order to adjust her future plans. These interests that an individual may have in obtaining genetic information have been used to argue in favour of a right to know. (shrink)

Obtaining and sharing genetic information when there is a potential conflict of interest between patients and their relatives give rise to two questions. Do we have a duty to find out our genetic predispositions for disease for the sake of our relatives, or do we have a right to remain ignorant? Do we have a duty to disclose our known genetic predispositions for disease to our relatives? I argue that the answer to both questions is yes, but to a lesser (...) extent than sometimes claimed. (shrink)

The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 12, Issue 8, Page 34-35, August 2012.

The American Journal of Bioethics, Volume 12, Issue 8, Page 36-38, August 2012.