Directory





 



Genetics


Genetic Testing / Counseling

Secretary's (DHHS) Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society -- Provides advice to the DHHS on the broad array of complex medical, ethical, legal, and social issues raised by the development and use of genetic technologies. The archives of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing are linked to this site.

PUBMED – This resource maintained by the National Library of Medicine links to journal articles. It is kept up to date. Information on genetic testing and ethics and on genetic counseling is available.

genome.gov | Genetic Testing – The NHGRI site on genetic testing provides summary information and links to policy documents and reports. Although some of the information is archival, new reports are added as they become available.

genome.gov | Direct to Consumer Marketing of Genetic Tests – The NHGRI site links to a 2004 workshop report on this topic. A bibliography is included.

genome.gov | Policy and Legislation Database Search – This NHGRI site allows the user to search by location, topic or keyword for genetics-related policies and legislation.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues --Genome Research  - A DOE sponsored site developed to inform the user about the Human Genome Project. It contains information on many topics related to genetic and genomic research.

The President’s Council on Bioethics (November 16, 2006) – This site is a transcript of a meeting on ethical issues related to genetic testing. The major speaker is Dr. Kathy Hudson, Director, Center for Genetics and Public Policy, Johns Hopkins University.

Genetic Testing and Genetic Screening –  A  Kennedy Institute at Georgetown University Conference report.  The Report was first published in 1993. Scope Note 22, on this site, is an annotated bibliography that is updated periodically. In addition to a background essay, the topical bibliographies are on genetic privacy and discrimination, insurance issues, forensics, workplace/environmental genetic testing and screening, counseling, prenatal/minor genetic testing and screening, and genetic predisposition. Most items link to electronic publications.

Ethics in genetic research and practice (2006) – A comprehensive essay on genetic screening, testing and counseling from SAHealthInfo, a South African Health Council site supported by the SA Medical Research Council. The material covers scientific and ethical issues.

Human Genetic Testing: What Implications? (2004) – The European Commission convened an expert group to consider the implications of genetic testing. The Report  and the Recommendations are available.

Ethical Aspects of Genetic Testing - An Information Paper (2000) – This paper from the National Health and Medical Council of Australia focuses on the key ethical issues related to genetic testing, such as obtaining consent, counseling, and privacy and confidentiality matters. Some basic information about the technical aspects of genetic testing is provided as background to the ethical issues. A bibliography, glossary and a list of Australian sources of information about genetic testing are included.

Ethics of genetics – A Welcome Trust site that links to news, basic information and reports. Genetic Screening: Ethical Issues (2006 supplement) is an update of a 1993 report.

The PHG Foundation (Public Health Genetics) – This site links to news stories relating to genetic testing.  It includes policy news from the UK and other countries, courses and events, and links to other sites.

Genetic Testing & Screening at the University of Minnesota's Center for Bioethics - This resource summarizes types of genetic testing and ethical questions associated with genetic testing. It is sponsored by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Bioethics. It links to scientific and ethical resources and suggested readings.

Genetics Resources on the Web (GROW) – A forum that encourages communication and collaboration among individuals interested in information about human genetics, especially those aspects of human genetics dealing with health, to health professionals and the public. Entering “Genetic Testing” in the search box will bring up many resources.

Genetics Home Reference – An NIH sponsored site designed to educate public users about genetics.  Includes sections on genetic testing and genetic counseling.

GeneTests – An NIH funded medical genetics information resource developed for physicians, other healthcare providers, and researchers. Includes educational materials on genetic testing and links to other resources.

Genethics – This site maintained by Bryn Williams-Jones from the University of Montreal is a clearing-house for information on the social, ethical and policy issues associated with genetic and genomic knowledge and technology.  The site addresses a wide range of issues. The topics section provides links to genetic testing and counseling resources.

Centre for Law and Genetics – The Centre provides information for the Australian and international communities on legal and ethical issues arising from developments in genetic technology. It advocates effective and equitable means for developing, applying and benefit-sharing of this technology. The Centre provides bibliographic links to full articles. This link to articles on genetic testing makes available a large number of recent journal articles. The Home Page of the site links to the Centre’s completed and ongoing research projects.

Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing - Ethics  –  An  American Medical Association CME site. A case is presented on genetic testing.  The scientific, ethical, and clinical and genetic counseling aspects of the case are addressed.

Browse BioethicsWeb > Genetics > Genetic counseling – A site sponsored by Intute, an online service created by a network of UK universities and partners to make education and research resources available.. Subject specialists select and evaluate the websites in the database and write descriptions of the resources. The site has references on genetics, genetic testing, counseling and other services.

Bioethics Information Resources: Genetic Counseling – An NIH site that provides links to background material, references, career information and organizations.

NSGC: Code of Ethics (2006 revision)  - The ethical code governing behavior of genetic counselors.  The document outlines the responsibilities of genetic counselors to clients and the public.

Bibliography: Genetic Counseling – A bibliography on ethical issues and genetic counseling. It covers the literature from the 1970s – 1995.

Genetic Counseling of Vulnerable Populations: The Role of Nursing. The International Code of Ethics for Nurses (2002) -  A position statement from the International Society of Nurses in Genetics.

Last updated: 05/09/07