Arguments For and Against Testing Childrens Genetics Essay

The diseases that exist in our world are enough to make medicine and testing the only option of hope in times of need. People grow up happy and healthy, only to be diagnosed, in their middle age, with an adult-onset disease. These diseases only become a burden as the victim gets older. Some commonly known ones are Alzheimer’s or Huntington’s disease. There is no cure or treatment for adult-onset diseases like this. Knowing that the victims have these diseases written in their DNA from the moment they were born leads to an interesting argument. Several communities argue about whether parents or guardians should have the right to test their children for these diseases. There are many arguments, however, that stem from the social and ethical†¦show more content†¦Its up to the doctor and parents of that child to decide whether the risk of choosing for the child is worth it or not. It is clear that there has been proof that this big decision can be ethical and uneth ical, leading to only more controversy. Also, testing children for a disease that won’t develop for years can be socially harmful for them. First of all, children will often have â€Å"difficulty understanding and responding to the stresses of serious disease and death can lead to behavioral problems† (Klitzman). In several ways, it is better for the kid to learn about this when he or she is old enough to understand. Finding out too soon can cause more issues than the knowledge is worth. Growing up with that kind of depression can lead to needing an escape such as drug abuse or drinking underage. Just having knowledge of carrying a disease can lead to problematic situations while meeting new people. There have been cases where â€Å"carriers of the gene for sickle-cell anemia have been denied employment as if they suffered from the disease† (â€Å"Testing Children for Genetic Status†). Other people will treat the child differently through their entire li fe because of simply knowing about it. Finally, testing for diseases too soon may lead to â€Å"unreasonably discourage patients from pursuing a particular life plan† (â€Å"Testing Children for Genetic Status†). Goals of going to college, getting married, and getting a job mayShow MoreRelatedGenetic Modification : Is It Wrong?886 Words   |  4 Pagesdiscussion of genetic modification one controversial issue has been is it wrong. On the one hand, parents who want better genes for their children argues that they are improving their children’s lives. On the other hand, some parents contend that it is unnatural. Other even mention scientist try and play god. My own view is genetic modification could be the future and help parents with bad genetics avoid the problem of their children having a life risking gene as well. 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