Clinical Applications of Bioethics in Genetic Counseling

2 Units

This course is designed to prepare genetic counseling students to thoughtfully navigate the ethical issues that arise when working with individuals and families pursuing genetic counseling, screening, and testing. Topics will include foundational bioethics principles; the historical context of genetics and genetic counseling, including eugenics and structural inequities; genomic sequencing in the newborn period; pediatric and adult genetic and genomic testing; carrier and prenatal screening ethics, including disability perspectives and contemporary legal considerations; direct to consumer testing; gene therapy and genome editing; the NSGC Code of Ethics; conscience clauses; and the practical use of ethics committees and ethics consultations in genetic counseling. The course will be conducted as a seminar featuring discussion, reflection, and engagement with guest experts. Offered as BETH 540 and GENE 540 .