Genetics Ethics

Genetic testing has many applications and while much of it can provide good news, relief and comfort, it can also provide life changing results which are not positive. The role of a Genetic Counsellor involves preparing a person for both positive and negative results of a genetic test.

A Genetic Counsellor is specially trained to counsel on the issues surrounding genetic testing. They are health professionals with a medical knowledge of genetic testing and research. Because of the nature of genetic testing, a person seeking or undertaking this type of medical testing should benefit from the services of a Genetic Counsellor before they do so in order to best cope with what can be a difficult outcome.

Genetic Counsellors offer advice based on an individual’s specific case, as each one is different and every person’s needs are unique. It is the counsellor’s responsibility to stay up-to-date with all the latest developments in the field. These include both scientific and social elements; any issue that could affect and individual who will be the subject of, or who is supporting someone will is the subject of a genetic test.

As with all counsellors, a Genetic Counsellor must maintain client confidentiality at all times. Their obligation is the client and they must not disclose any information provided to them by their client. In addition, all advice and information provided by a Genetic Counsellor must be in the best interest of the client and not done for the Counsellor’s own gain in any way. It must also be free from any sort of discrimination and based on the most current knowledge and research in the field.