Equity and timeliness as factors in the effectiveness of an ethical prenatal sequencing service: reflections from parents and professionals.

ABSTRACT: Prenatal sequencing tests are being introduced into clinical practice in many developed countries. In part due to its greater ability to detect genetic variation, offering prenatal sequencing can present ethical challenges. Here we review ethical issues arising following the implementation of prenatal sequencing in the English National Health Service (NHS). We analysed semi structured interviews conducted with 48 parents offered prenatal sequencing and 63 health professionals involved in delivering the service to identify the ethical issues raised. Two main themes were identified: (1) Equity of access (including issues around eligibility criteria, laboratory analytical processes, awareness and education of clinicians, fear of litigation, geography, parental travel costs, and access to priv

SUBMITTER: Peter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11894143 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature