Nuffield Council publishes supplement to report on genetic screening 17/8/06. By the Public Health Genetics Unit The Nuffield Council on Bioethics has published a major supplement to the 1993 report 'Genetic Screening: ethical issues'.

The supplement was produced by a Working Group established to review the and update the original report on genetic screening [PDF 750KB] in the light of the various scientific, technological and policy-related developments over recent years, although it was concluded that the ethical analysis of the report was still relevant in its original form.

In addition to scientific, clinical and technological advances, key developments over the last 13 years include the general growth in the provision of genetics services both nationally and internationally; the Government's 2003 Genetics White Paper and the impact it has had on the NHS; and the establishment of the UK National Screening Committee and the Human Genetics Commission.

News: UK Government publishes White Paper on Genetics in the NHS (26/06/03)

Background: Human Genetics Commission

With respect to genetic screening, most of the growth in recent years is noted to have been via the expansion of restricted or pilot screening programmes, as opposed to the introduction of completely new schemes.

The inherent difficulty of developing tests for genetic susceptibility to common complex diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes (that have multiple contributory genetic and environmental factors) is noted; and although the possibility that such tests may eventually become available exists, the supplement concludes that this is not likely within the next few years and that "the potential of screening to improve health should not be exaggerated, since this could lead to false assumptions and unnecessary anxiety".

Consent to participation in a genetic screening programme is considered, along with the question of whether (and when) suitable genetic counselling should be offered. It is recommended that counselling should be "concentrated on those conditions that threaten life or have a serious impact on the ability to live life fully", with concern being raised that excessive obligations with respect to consent and counselling could hamper the introduction and maintenance of screening programmes.

The supplement also endorses the continuation of the current moratorium restricting the use of genetic test results by insurance companies in the UK.

Both the supplement and the 1993 report are available from the Nuffield Council on Bioethics website .

Adapted from a news release by the Public Health Genetics Unit .

Links

Nuffield Council on Bioethics