Testing for hereditary (genetic) diseases before pregnancy raises ethical issues

Screening all or most couples for genetic disease before pregnancy could provide more options for couples who want to have children. But this would also threaten the core values of the Swedish health care system. Amal Matar gave an interview on the ethics of genetic screening before pregnancy, the subject of her dissertation, in Dagens Nyheter (DN), Sweden's largest morning newspaper. 

Genetic testing has become both cheaper and more reliable. It is now possible to screen for up to 1,500 genetic disorders and conditions. Ranging from severe conditions like beta thalassemia (chronic anaemia) and cystic fibrosis, to mild ones, like hereditary fructose intolerance.

Amal Matar (Link removed) defended her dissertation in February 2019, breaking down the ethical implications of genetic screening before pregnancy. 

DN interview (in Swedish)

About Amal's dissertation

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