Chapter 11

Learning Outcomes

• Family History & Disease Risk: Understanding how family history can indicate predispositions to certain diseases.
• DNA Testing Uses: Explores appropriate applications of DNA testing, potential for genetic discrimination.
• Genetic Engineering & Controversy: Defines genetic engineering, discusses cloning and stem cell research as contentious topics.
• Infertility Remedies: Identifies three potential solutions for couples facing infertility issues.
• Children's Rights in Healthcare: Lists relevant laws impacting health care related to children's rights.

Genetics and Heredity

• Heredity: The process by which organisms transmit genetic traits to their offspring.
• Genetics: The study of variations among organisms due to genetic inheritance.

Definitions

• DNA: A sequence of nucleotides forming the genetic blueprint of an organism.
• Gene: A segment of DNA located on a chromosome that encodes a specific trait.
• Chromosomes: Structures within the nucleus of cells that hold genetic material.
• Genome: The complete set of genetic information in an organism, encompassing all genes.

The Human Genome Project

• Overview: A comprehensive initiative initiated in 1990 and concluded in 2000 to map all human genes.

Uses of DNA Testing

1. Newborn Screening: Early detection of genetic conditions.
2. Diagnostic Testing: Identifying conditions that may have already developed.
3. Carrier Testing: Determining if an individual carries a gene for a recessive genetic disorder.
4. Prenatal Testing: Assessing fetal health and conditions during pregnancy.
5. Preimplantation Testing: Screening embryos for genetic conditions before implantation.
6. Predictive Testing: Assessing risk of developing genetic disorders later in life.
7. Forensic Testing: Utilizing DNA for criminal investigations.

Genetic Diseases

• Definition: Genetic diseases result from permanent mutations in the DNA, affecting functioning genes or altering chromosome structure/number.
• Genetic Counselor Role: Professionals who help interpret genetic testing results and navigate related issues.

Genetic Discrimination

• Definition: Unequal treatment based on genetic differences, comprising actual or presumed distinctions.
• Protective Laws:
  • HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
  • ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • GINA: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
  • ACA: Affordable Care Act.

Genetic Engineering

• Definition: The process of manipulating genetic material in organisms to eliminate harmful traits and promote favorable ones.
• Controversies: Concerns regarding unpredictable outcomes of genetic modifications.

Cloning

• Definition: Creating an exact genetic duplicate of a cell, tissue, or organism.
• Types of Cloning:
  • Gene Cloning: Isolating and making copies of specific genes.
  • Therapeutic Cloning: Producing tissues or organs from cloned cells.
  • Reproductive Cloning: Creating an organism fully.
  • Xenotransplantation: Transplanting animal organs into humans.
• Objections: High failure rates, health issues in clones, and unknown effects on mental development.

Gene Therapy

• Definition: Introducing a healthy gene into cells deficient in functioning genes to treat diseases.
• Applications:
  • Replace deficiencies in genes.
  • Insert normal genes.
  • Disable harmful genes.

Infertility

• Definition: Inability to conceive after 12 months of trying due to disruptions in reproductive systems.

Options for Infertile Couples

1. In Vitro Fertilization: Fertilization occurring outside the body.
2. Artificial Insemination: Introducing sperm directly into the reproductive tract.
3. Surrogacy: Having another woman carry a child to term for the couple.

Adoption Types

• Agency Adoptions: Through licensed agencies.
• Independent Adoptions: Facilitated privately between parties.
• Identified Adoptions: Parties know each other prior to the process.
• International Adoptions: Adopting from other countries.
• Relative Adoptions: Adoption involving a family member.

Rights of Children

• Parens Patriae: Doctrine giving the state the authority to intervene in the child's best interest.
• Best Interest of the Child: Principle prioritizing the child's welfare in legal decisions.
• Newborn Rights: Newborns hold the same rights as other citizens.

Abandoned Infants

• Safe Haven Laws: Allow mothers to leave infants in approved facilities without facing legal penalties.

Minors

• Mature Minors: Teens deemed capable of giving informed consent.
• Emancipated Minors: Minors who live independently of parental control.