Reproductive carrier screening
Responding to the eugenics critique
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21514700 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lisa Dive (0000-0001-6655-5138, The University of Sydney, corresponding author), Ainsley J Newson (0000-0002-3460-772X, The University of Sydney) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | 1060-1067 |
| Publication date | 2022-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Medical Ethics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0306-6800 • E-ISSN: 1473-4257 |
| Publisher | BMJ (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1136/medethics-2021-107343 |
| PMID | 34244346 |
| OpenAlex | W3177993417 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 43 |
Reproductive genetic carrier screening (RCS), when offered to anyone regardless of their family history or ancestry, has been subject to the critique that it is a form of eugenics. Eugenics describes a range of practices that seek to use the science of heredity to improve the genetic composition of a population group. The term is associated with a range of unethical programmes that were taken up in various countries during the 20th century. Contemporary practice in medical genetics has, understandably, distanced itself from such programmes. However, as RCS becomes more widespread, gains public funding and uses expanded gene panels, there are concerns that such programmes could be perceived as eugenic either in intent or outcome. The typical response to the eugenics critique of RCS is to emphasise the voluntary nature of both participating in screening and making subsequent reproductive choices. While safeguarding individuals’ freedom to choose in relation to screening is essential, we consider this response inadequate. By examining the specific ethical wrongs committed by eugenics in the past, we argue that to avoid the perception of RCS being a form of eugenics it is essential to attend to the broader normative context in which reproductive decisions occur. Furthermore, ethical RCS programmes must recognise and respond to their potential to shift societal norms that shape individual reproductive choices
Data science · Eugenics · Political science · Computer Science · Cystic Fibrosis Research Advances · Law · Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics · Psychology
Inquiries into human faculty and its development.
In the Name of Eugenics
Beyond Nature and Nurture
A Not‐So‐New Eugenics
The Future of Reproductive Autonomy
Liberal Eugenics
From “She Would Say That, Wouldn't She?” to “Does She Take Sugar?” Epistemic Injustice and Disability
Which “New Eugenics”? Expanding Access to ART, Respecting Procreative Liberty, and Protecting the Moral Equality of All Persons in an Era of Neoliberal Choice
Preconception care and genetic risk
Choices and Rights
Prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion
Making Better Babies
The Lives to Come
| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |