Prenatal diagnosis of unborn children offers the opportunity to identify and in the future treat disorders in utero. Fetuses can be examined by analyzing the blood of their mothers for biomarkers or informative DNA. NIPD is practiced in the Nordic countries, but the type and extent of its use varies by and within countries.
This session focuses on the bioethical principles at stake in NIPD, from the perspective of the parents, the unborn child, the health care system, and society. The session highlights decisions facing parents and health care professionals, in the context of ethical principles of autonomy, prevention of harm, and diversity.
The session is a part of the World medical association conference on medical ethics. Participation requires that you are registered for the conference. See the WMA webpages for more information.
Programme
October 3, 13:00-17:00.
13:00 Introduction
13:10 Keynote: Categories of NIPT: promises and challenges
Angus Clarke (School of Medicine, Cardiff University)
13:45 Ethical controversies in NIPT
Bjørn Hoffman (Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Oslo University).
14:05 Short break
14:15 How is NIPD practiced and regulated in the Nordic countries? A comparative overview
Erik Iwarsson (Karolinska University Hospital)
14:35 Ethical challenges in genetic counselling in relation to prenatal testing
Hulda Hjartardóttir (National University Hospital of Iceland)
14:55 Break
15:15 The ethics of NIPT from the point of view of Down syndrome families
Karina Rhiger (Danish National Association for Downs syndrome)
15:35 NIPT: Fetal “screening” or “reproductive choice”?
Ástríður
Stefánsdóttir (University of Iceland)
15:55 Short break
16:05 Benefits of NIPT now and in the future.
Christina Fagerberg (Odense University Hospital).
16:25 Panel – Speakers
17:00 End
The session is a part of the World medical association conference on medical ethics. Participation requires that you are registered for the conference. See the WMA webpages for more information.