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J Med Ethics 2006;32:143-147 doi:10.1136/jme.2004.010272
  • Clinical ethics

Ethical issues in predictive genetic testing: a public health perspective

  1. K G Fulda1,
  2. K Lykens2
  1. 1Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
  2. 2Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
 Kimberly Fulda
 MPH at 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; kfulda{at}hsc.unt.edu
  • Received 6 August 2004
  • Accepted 25 May 2005
  • Revised 5 May 2005

Abstract

As a result of the increase in genetic testing and the fear of discrimination by insurance companies, employers, and society as a result of genetic testing, the disciplines of ethics, public health, and genetics have converged. Whether relatives of someone with a positive predictive genetic test should be notified of the results and risks is a matter urgently in need of debate. Such a debate must encompass the moral and ethical obligations of the diagnosing physician and the patient. The decision to inform or not will vary depending on what moral theory is used. Utilising the utilitarian and libertarian theories produces different outcomes. The principles of justice and non-maleficence will also play an important role in the decision.

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