2.4.5Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation
Ethical and Social Issues of Genetic Screening — IAL Edexcel Linear Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 4 parts Lesson 25 of 26 Unit quiz
Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
Part 1 of 4Role of Genetic Counselling
Because screening can lead to very difficult decisions, families are offered support by trained counsellors.
Before screening
- Before screening Counsellors explain the chance of having an affected child, the available treatments and what screening can and cannot show.
Options discussed
- Options discussed Families can consider termination, the care needs of the child, the costs and the effects on existing children.
After screening
- After screening The counsellor explains the results in plain language and helps people make their own informed choices.
Non-directive advice
- Non-directive advice The aim is to support decision making, not to tell families what to do.
Family context
- Family context Counsellors discuss how a result may affect other relatives who could also carry the same allele.
Informed consent
- Informed consent People must understand a test and agree to it, which an embryo or foetus cannot do for itself.
Part 2 of 4Arguments in Favour
Arguments in Favour
Informed choice
- Informed choice Parents can decide on the basis of accurate information about a disorder and about how likely it is.
Reducing suffering
- Reducing suffering Screening can avoid the birth of a child with a severe or life-limiting disorder.
Preparing for care
- Preparing for care Early results allow families and doctors to prepare treatment and support before the baby is born.
PGD benefits
- PGD benefits Embryo screening avoids a later termination because only unaffected embryos are chosen for transfer.
Part 3 of 4Arguments and Concerns Against
1
Some people believe that an embryo has the same moral status as a baby, so discarding embryos or ending a pregnancy is unacceptable.
2
Some religious beliefs hold that life should be left in God's hands, so a pregnancy would continue whatever the screening shows.
3
There is concern that embryos might be selected for non-medical features such as sex or intelligence, leading to so-called designer babies.
4
A positive result for a condition such as Down syndrome could lead to terminations, and some feel this devalues people who live with it.
5
Views differ among cultures and individuals, so a good evaluation presents several viewpoints rather than only a personal opinion.
| Issue | Supporting view | Opposing view |
|---|---|---|
| Terminating an affected pregnancy | Avoids suffering | Embryo or foetus has a right to life |
| Selecting embryos | Reduces genetic disease | Risk of designer babies |
| Cost and access | Saves later care costs | May be unequal between families |
Part 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips
2.4.5 – Key Points for the Exam
- Genetic counsellor A trained person who explains the risks, options and results of genetic tests.
- Informed consent Agreement to a procedure given after understanding the benefits and the risks.
- Designer baby An embryo selected for features chosen by the parents rather than for health.
- Termination Ending a pregnancy before the baby is born.
Common Mistakes
- Giving only one point of view when the question asks for a balanced discussion.
- Writing that screening is always accurate, when results may be uncertain and tests carry risks.
- Stating that counsellors tell parents what to do; they give information and support.
- Treating all religious or cultural views as identical, when beliefs vary widely.
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