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Using data obtained during a retrospective interview study of 30 women who had undergone genetic testing-BRCA1/2 mutation searching-this paper describes how women, previously diagnosed with breast/ovarian cancer, perceive their role in generating genetic information about themselves and their families. It observes that when describing their motivations for undergoing DNA testing and their experiences of disclosing genetic information within the family these women provide care based ethical justifications for their actions. Finally, it argues that generating genetic information and disclosing this information to kin raise different types of ethical issues. The implications of these findings for ethical debates about informed choice in the context of genetic testing are discussed.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/jme.29.2.74

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Med Ethics

Publication Date

04/2003

Volume

29

Pages

74 - 79

Keywords

Empirical Approach, Genetics and Reproduction, Adult, Aged, Attitude to Health, Breast Neoplasms, Family, Female, Genetic Counseling, Genetic Privacy, Humans, Informed Consent, Middle Aged, Mutation, Ovarian Neoplasms, Personal Autonomy, Retrospective Studies, Role, Social Responsibility, Truth Disclosure