To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question

1
To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question

• A Bioethical Project Presented by
• Alla
• Natalie
• Orna
• IB Chemistry 4
• June 2006

2
Huntington's Disease

• Huntington's disease is a genetic disease caused
  by a dominant gene.
• It is a degenerative brain disorder that creates
  physical and mental disabilities.
• People usually start exhibiting symptoms between
  the ages of 30 and 50.
• It usually brings on personality changes and
  depression.
• There is a 50 chance of a parent passing the
  disease onto their child.

3
Huntington's Disease Part 2

• The gene that codes for Huntington's disease is
  called IT15, or Huntingtin.
• Death usually occurs 15-20 years after symptoms
  are first noticed.

4
The Issue at Hand...

• Priya's Mother just died from Huntington's
  disease.
• Huntington's disease is a genetic disease which
  is a dominant gene.
• There is a test for Huntington's disease.
• Should Priya get tested?

5
Two Sides to Every Question

• Two things that one must consider before making
  the decision are the financial concerns and moral
  considerations.

6
Financial Concerns

• How much do these tests cost? how much would you
  pay?
• Do Insurance Companies pay for the test? Should
  they?
• Who pays for the medical bills? Who should?
• Who should raise the child once the parent dies?

7
Moral Concerns

• If you know that you have HD, should you tell
  your fiance?
• Would this affect your decision to have children?
• If you have children, and find out that you have
  HD, should you test your children? Would you do a
  pre-natal test?
• Should you tell your siblings so that they can be
  tested?

8
In Conclusion...

• Before you make the decision to test yourself for
  HD, consider
• Moral responsibilities whom do you tell?
• Financial responsibilities If you tell your
  insurance company (and you have to) your rates
  are going to be much higher (or you won't get
  insurance).
• Reactions of others how would you feel if others
  treated you differently knowing that you would
  die in a few years?

9
Express Yourself!

• Would you take the Huntington's Disease test if a
  parent had the disease?