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Distress and Ethical Dilemmas Due to Prenatal and Genetic Diagnostics – Some Empirical Results

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Ethical Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis
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Abstract

The empirical results of the EDIG study – an empirical and theoretical study focusing on ethical dilemmas with an interdisciplinary perspective – are depicted here, focusing on distress resulting from modern biotechnology – namely prenatal diagnostics (PND) – and ethical issues stemming from this. Results are presented from the longitudinal investigation of women currently undergoing PND. A brief description of the study design and population is followed by an account of the impact on women of the testing process. The question as to what degree modern technologies pose a threat to the individual is raised and some possible answers suggested. Finally, the central question of this research endeavour, whether or not prenatal testing is perceived as an ethical dilemma or conflict among individual pregnant women will be discussed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For further results see Leuzinger-Bohleber et al. (2008).

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Correspondence to Tamara Fischmann .

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Fischmann, T. (2011). Distress and Ethical Dilemmas Due to Prenatal and Genetic Diagnostics – Some Empirical Results. In: Fischmann, T., Hildt, E. (eds) Ethical Dilemmas in Prenatal Diagnosis. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1396-3_3

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