Essay Genetic Testing - Are the Benefits Worth the Risks

Genetic Testing - Are the Benefits Worth the Risks? In 2001 The Human Genome Project was completed giving us the make up of the entire human genome. Science can now tell what color your eyes are, what gender you are, and what diseases you have just by extracting one strand of DNA. The question I propose to you now is; do you really want to know? Is it a good thing to know that you will get a disease that will eat away your mind, and cripple you till you wither away at the early age of 43 (Huntington Disease)? Genetic testing is the new wave of the future. Geneticists can now tell possible carriers of the gene for Huntington’s disease their true fate, not just give them odds. Now that we can tell people what genes they will or do†¦show more content†¦Genetic testing could very likely become our new glass ball to tell us our fate. Part of the medical profession believes that â€Å"genetic tests can help screen for and diagnose a suspected disease, as well as give clues about prognosis† (Hensrud 194). Doctors practice medicine to alleviate pain and suffering from their patients; this belief has always been held in medicine. One of the techniques for them to do so is to diagnose a problem in order to fix it the best they can. Genetic testing is one tool that can be used to diagnosing certain problems. Genetic testing cannot discover all diseases but it has the potential to change the way the medical enterprise works. The healthcare industry could start predicting and preventing many diseases instead of being concerned mostly with the end stage of disease (Genes and Ethics 784). In other words, genetic testing could help by foreseeing the fate of people making it possible for doctors to prevent some diseases instead of waiting until patients are sick to try and treat them. Genetic testing is a new technology that is not necessarily perfect, but not everything is perfect in medicine. We do call it practicing medicine for a reason. People who are for the use of genetic testing because of the medical advantages are optimistic that the new advancement can help patients. Any new advancement that gives doctors a new tool can always be used for ill of for good. A lot of theShow MoreRelatedThe Human Genome Project A Go Or No?1319 Words   |  6 Pageswill have certain genetic diseases, cancers or any health conditions that will impair the child’s life. This is possible due to the testing of the human gene. The benefits of testing the fetus are plentiful, but others argue these tests can be a hindrance to some. The pro testing side argues it improves the lives of human population, reduces disease, creates new medications and gives a better understanding of humans. 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