Should the scope of NIPT be limited by a 'threshold of seriousness'?

Autor: Taylor-Sands M; Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia. m.taylor-sands@unimelb.edu.au.; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia. m.taylor-sands@unimelb.edu.au., Johnston M; Monash Bioethics Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia., Mills C; Monash Bioethics Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: European journal of human genetics : EJHG [Eur J Hum Genet] 2024 Aug 16. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Aug 16.
DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01684-x
Abstrakt: Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has the potential to screen for a wider range of genetic conditions than is currently possible at an early stage of pregnancy and with minimal risks. As such, there have been calls to apply a 'threshold of seriousness' to limit the scope of conditions being tested. This approach is based on concerns about society at large and the potential impact on specific groups within it. In this paper, we argue that limiting the scope of NIPT using the criterion of 'seriousness' is arbitrary, potentially stigmatises certain disabilities over others and fails to respect reproductive autonomy. We contend that concerns about expanded NIPT are more appropriately addressed by the provision of adequate information, counselling and consent procedures. We recommend a decision-making process that helps healthcare providers support prospective parents to make informed decisions about the nature and scope of NIPT screening based on their own values and social context. In addition to addressing concerns about expanded NIPT screening, this process would help clinicians to obtain legally valid consent and discharge their duty of care (including the duty to inform) in the prenatal context.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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