Q&A: Genetic tests pose discrimination risk, says AMA ethics chair
The organisation is updating its position statement, previously released seven years ago
Will I develop a hereditary condition? Are my partner and I related by blood? Why is my child experiencing problems with their health or development?
It is increasingly easy for Australian patients to pay for genetic tests to find answers to questions like these, but the rise of accessible genomics raises ethical challenges for them and their doctors.
Adelaide GP Dr Chris Moy describes genetic testing as a “brave new world” for doctors that is quickly changing.
As more genetic and genomic services integrate into mainstream healthcare, he says there is an urgent need to grapple with the ethical challenges before they get too far ahead of doctors, the law and the community.
