Genetic Testing Argumentative Essay

To begin with, the article of the New York Times “Born To Run? Little Ones Get Test for Sport Gene” by Juliet Macur reveals a controversial health issue about a genetic test that would be able to determine the sports that suits young people based on their gene ACTN3 and costs $149. The analysis takes two to three weeks. With that information given, should parents pay to have their child tested for the gene? Also, what are the Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing?

To summarize the information about genetic testing, if the child has at least one copy of R variant, they should play speed and power sports like sprinting or football. Moreover, if the child has two copies of X variant, they are more likely suited for endurance sports. For parents,
The article states, “No female elite sprinter had two copies of X variant”. However, there are some women who can do endurance sports such as distance running; Or someone who have both R variant of ACTN3 might not want to play speed and power sports. In addition, there are cheaper ways to test their kids if what sports they are best. For instance, line them with their classmates and friends for a race and see which ones are the fastest. Also, the test can lead to parents forcing their kids to play sports that the child might not want to play.

Overall, genetic testing has both positive and negative effects. The reason why parents shall test their kids for genetic testing is it will allow the them to match their child with the sports they will play in the future; and the reasons why parents shall not test their kids for genetic testing includes the possibility of wrong claims, the costs, and the future possibility that a parent will abuse their kids for forcing them to play the sport. Whether parents should choose to do genetic testing for their kids or not, good parenting is still the best choice to prepare their children for