Some Sociological Aspects Inherent in Genetic Counseling

THE field of genetics has developed sufficiently to maintain as a recognized specialty the study of human genetics. Research in cooperation with hospital facilities is increasing. Consultations in terms of genetic problems are more frequently requested by the medical profession. Some departments retain human geneticists in both a research and consultant capacity. This advance in human genetics and related biological specialties places new emphasis on the problem often discussed in the social sciences, the problem of inherited and acquired characteristics, or the influence of both physical and social environmental forces on mankind.' With the perfection of modern techniques, the study of human genetics has become more systematic.2 The trisomy-21, formerly described as Mongolism, for example, is found to have an extra 21-chromosome that may be detected by recent techniques.3 This situation leads to the problem of drawing the line between environmental factors and inherited factors. Do aspects of a pregnant woman's environment, ranging from cosmetic habits to folk medicine, adversely influence the development of the fetus? We are becoming more aware of the implications of the increasing artificial aspect of our world as we develop new drugs and other forms of medication, as well as chemical and

Biology · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Human genetics · Medical genetics · Perfection · Sociology · BRCA gene mutations in cancer · Engineering · Genetics · Psychology · Race, Genetics, and Society