Aggregated News
Baylor College of Medicine is at the forefront of new DNA testing that screens fetuses for hundreds of genetic abnormalities - testing touted for diagnosing previously undetectable disorders but sparking debate because it's sure to result in more abortions.
A Baylor laboratory is offering and promoting the cutting-edge service, also the subject of a large government-funded study. The service exposes fetal cells taken from a pregnant woman's uterus for standard chromosomal testing to more sophisticated analysis.
"This is the beginning of a sea change in prenatal diagnosis," said Dr. Arthur Beaudet, who chairs molecular and human genetics at Baylor and leads the effort. "I think it will replace current prenatal screening within five years, becoming the new test of choice for couples who want maximum information about their developing fetus."
The ethical debate about the testing ranges from whether its accuracy is well-enough established to provide results to anxious parents; to whether it should be regulated by government; to whether such screening reflects a trend toward eugenics, in which society eliminates the defective.
Advocates say the test uncovers tragic conditions...
A Baylor laboratory is offering and promoting the cutting-edge service, also the subject of a large government-funded study. The service exposes fetal cells taken from a pregnant woman's uterus for standard chromosomal testing to more sophisticated analysis.
"This is the beginning of a sea change in prenatal diagnosis," said Dr. Arthur Beaudet, who chairs molecular and human genetics at Baylor and leads the effort. "I think it will replace current prenatal screening within five years, becoming the new test of choice for couples who want maximum information about their developing fetus."
The ethical debate about the testing ranges from whether its accuracy is well-enough established to provide results to anxious parents; to whether it should be regulated by government; to whether such screening reflects a trend toward eugenics, in which society eliminates the defective.
Advocates say the test uncovers tragic conditions...