Prenatal Assessment for Adult-Onset Diseases: Feasibility and Justifiability
摘要
In our day and age, it has become possible to examine and detect findings in utero which can predict fetal health and the risk for some neonatal and childhood illnesses. These technologies may also be used to assess the risk for developing severe adult-onset diseases. Employment of these tools can potentially allow for the birth of a healthier individual but is also surrounded by controversy over the accuracy of these predictions and their moral basis. Questions on who has the authority to prevent the “right to live” in the face of a pending adult-onset disease—the intended parents or the affected future person—as well as which conditions would justify elimination of an embryo or pregnancy termination remain open. This chapter delves into the technical and ethical challenges that surround the use of these prenatal capabilities.