Ethics Case: When is Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic Testing Beneficial?

Authors:

Nwanodi O*

Special Issue 3

Abstract

Recommended for antepartum screening in pregnancies of high-risk women, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is poised for wider use. A holistic approach to pregnancy requires that paternal genetic contribution be considered when evaluating genetic risk. High-risk male contribution to a pregnancy from advanced paternal age may be best screened for by NIPT. Given subtly older maternal ages, NIPT also provides a means for non-communicable disease early diagnosis.

Keywords:

Advanced Paternal Age; Advanced Maternal Age; Aneuploidy Screening; Antepartum Screening; Autonomy; Beneficence; Cell-Free Fetal DNA; Choriocarcinoma; Cost-Effectiveness; Down’s Syndrome; Egalitarianism; Informed Consent; Libertarianism; Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing; Nonmaleficence; Single-Base Substitutions; Trisomy 13; Trisomy 18; Trisomy 21; Utilitarianism.

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