Genetic screening:A medical miracle or Moral outrage

Genetic Screening:
A medical miracle or Moral Outrage

On the mouths of many political figures in Washington these days, is the highly charged debate about genetic screening. Genetic screening is the process of looking for indications of a genetic disease by the use of DNA, blood or tissue samples. Genetic screening is sometimes done to determine if a person can pass on a genetic disease, or even if he or she is not at risk for developing the actual condition. This is also now being used in some states as forensic evidence to convict or exonerate people of crimes such as sex offenses or felonies or other misdemeanor crimes. It also may be done as part of a study for an entire population. This procedure is undertaken for several reasons, and may be performed in several different ways, which are at the head of this impassioned debate. Genetic screening is an extraordinary way to eliminate birth defects, racial and ethnic diseases, and allow parents to have the kno...