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When is exclusionary genetic testing for HD peformed?

User Sefan
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Final answer:

Exclusionary genetic testing for Huntington's Disease is performed using preimplantation genetic diagnosis during IVF to prevent the inheritance of genetic disorders. Ethical considerations are crucial, and GINA prohibits discrimination based on genetic information.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exclusionary genetic testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) is often performed through techniques such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This testing method is applied during in vitro fertilization (IVF), where embryos are tested for the presence of specific alleles responsible for genetic diseases, including HD. This is a form of genetic testing that allows parents to prevent the inheritance of single-gene disorders such as sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and HD.

The ethical considerations surrounding genetic testing are significant, as it intersect with beliefs about the onset of human life and potential discrimination based on genetic information. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 has attempted to address some of these concerns by prohibiting such discrimination by health insurance companies and workplaces. However, a societal consensus on the broader ethical implications is still ongoing.

User Chris Stratton
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