Naked Science: Gene Screen

Should all unborn babies be tested for genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, Huntingdon’s chorea or Sickle Cell Anaemia in a national screening programme? What should doctors do with this knowledge, and do parents have the right to choose the fate of their unborn child? Voice your opinion to a panel of experts in this public debate.

“I think that pre-natal screening is an important service for parents. This must be backed up by good support if a problem is discovered. Support in termination, or support if the parents want to continue with the pregnancy.”
Just one of the comments from the UK’s Human Genetics Commission consultative panel. But do you agree with it?
Should we test for genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, Huntingdon’s chorea or Sickle Cell Anaemia? Or should we only test for the conditions we can treat? Does pre-natal screening pre-suppose that the parents will opt for termination if a problem is uncovered? Would screening the population in this way be the first steps to a eugenics society?
The Human Genetics Commission, responsible for advising the Government on human genetics, are currently running a public consultation “Choosing the future: genetics and reproductive decision-making”. This consultation is your chance to have your views on the implications of developments in human genetics considered by the commission. They are particularly interested in your views on genetic screening.
We want what you say as an audience to be heard, so we will submit participants' ideas and comments from Naked Science: Gene Screen directly to the Human Genetics Commission.
Join us on the night to look at the opportunities and threats this genetic knowledge could provide us.

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