Ethical Implications

There are several legal and ethical implications that surrounds genetic testing for prenatal families. The forthcoming of new genetic information and technologies have exposed women to available options for those with genetic concerns and birth defects. For an example, ultrasounds utilizes sound waves to provide women with an image of the fetus. However, these in the womb images have stimulated growing debates surrounding ethical concerns such as psychosocial risks if fetal abnormalities are discovered in the process (Clark Callister, 2011). This can be a serious problem from ethical standpoint that may in turn reveal an unstable emotional state of well-being.

Healthcare professionals are faced with the risk of legal issues when discussing
In consequentialism, the consequence of an action justifies the means from an acceptable moral standpoint (PHG Foundation, n.d.). The fact that the family is considering prenatal testing is appropriate due to the suspicions of complications or abnormalities that if identified early can result in positive outcomes. The four principles of Bioethics are autonomy, the right of individuals to make their own decisions; nonmaleficence, one should avoid causing harm; beneficence, positive steps should taken to help others; and justice, the benefits and risks should be fairly distributed (PHG Foundation, n.d.). The nurse can provide autonomy by supporting the right for the family to consider prenatal testing. Nonmaleficence can be exhibited by the nurse by explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure and allowing the family time to weigh the options without feeling pressured. Beneficence is demonstrated by the nurse when giving the patient the appropriate information and education about the procedure and by assisting with any questions, concerns or potential ethical issues. As the nurse, healthcare providers and the family discuss the best possible intervention after considering all benefits and risks is considered