Genetic Testing: The Debate

From: Science Progress

The debate of genetic testing has been long discussed by many scientists on both sides of the issue. Genetic testing is medical test that assesses the changes in chromosomes, genes and proteins. The results of the test can help determine possible diseases and genetic disorders that a parent could pass on to a child. The problem lies in the debate on whether or not genetic testing should be used and or required. Some think that the extra knowledge is too deep rooted in the question of who can access the results of the test. If the test is required then the question of who should be allowed to access it is the main concern (for example health care providers). The positive side is knowing the chances of getting certain diseases. Cancer has been very easy to find with the genetic testing because it can test for the BRCA (genetic cancer gene) gene. This is an example of when it can save a person. This debate is coming the forefront of the genetic testing conversation.