Legal Issues: Genetic Testing and Discrimination

• Author: Maureen McTeer
• Pages: 144-148

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– chapter thirteen –

Legal Issues: Genetic Testing

and Discrimination

GENETIC TESTING AND REPRODUCTION

Genetic testing in the eld of human reproduction can be used to detect

whether a fetus or embryo carries a gene that will cause or predispose

the embryo to a serious or fatal genetic disease. Genetic testing for the

developing fetus in a woman’s womb has been available for many years.

Should a serious or fatal abnormality be found through such tests, the

pregnant woman would have to decide whether to continue the preg-

nancy or undergo an abortion.

Canadians who know they carry a hereditary genetic disease that

could be passed on to their children can undergo assisted human repro-

duction using IVF. In this case, genetic testing of the embryo can be done

using a process called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), where

one or more cells of the early embryo can be removed and examined.

Usually, two to four cells are removed from the day ve or six blastocyst.

No harm is caused to the embryo by this procedure. Should a known

genetic anomaly be found, then a woman can decide not to transfer any

aected embryos in her attempt to achieve a pregnancy.

e use of genetic testing in reproduction has raised concern among

rights advocates and those living with disabilities. e fear is that this can

lead to discrimination against individuals and groups living with known