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Can Genetic Counseling Avoid the Charge of Eugenics?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 September 2008

Ruth Chadwick
Ruth Chadwick
Affiliation:
Centre for Professional EthicsUniversity of Central Lancashire, Preston
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Abstract

The claim that x is a form of eugenics is frequently used as if it were a knockdown argument against x. Genetic counseling has tried to distance itself from eugenics by presenting itself as facilitating choice. Its success in this attempt has been challenged. The argument however is not a knockdown one and there is scope for some mediation between autonomy and public health goals in genetics.

Type
Genetic Services Eugenic Practices?
Information
Science in Context , Volume 11 , Issue 3-4 , Autumn-Winter 1998 , pp. 471 - 480
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

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