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The role of non-directiveness in genetic counseling

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Abstract

When the complete human genomehas been sequenced, everyone of us will becomea potential candidate for genetic counselingand testing. Within a short period of timeeveryone will obtain his personal geneticpassport identifying deleterious andsusceptibility genes. With the availability ofpresymptomatic tests for late-onset disordersand the possibilities of prevention andtreatment, the conflict between directivenessand non-directiveness will dominate thecounseling setting. Despite general consent onproviding genetic information in a nondirectivefashion to preserve value neutrality andenhance client's autonomy, there is no acceptedcommon definition of what non-directivenessreally is or ought to be. The article tries toelaborate some aspects which might be fruitfuland clarifying in the complex issues involvedin the black box of genetic counseling.

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  1. Innenstadt – Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany

    Fuat S. Oduncu

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Oduncu, F.S. The role of non-directiveness in genetic counseling. Med Health Care Philos 5, 53–63 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014289418443

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014289418443

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