Ethical Issues with Newborn Screening in the Genomics Era.

Source

Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; email: btarini@umich.edu.

Abstract

Continued technology advances have made the prospect of routine whole-genome sequencing (WGS) imminent. To date, much of the discussion about WGS has focused on its application and use in clinical medicine. Relatively little attention has been paid to the potential integration ofWGSinto newborn screening programs. Given the structure and scope of these programs, it is possible that the early applications of WGS will occur in state-run newborn screening programs. Assessment of the pressing ethical issues currently facing the newborn screening community as it prepares for the genomics era will provide insight into the challenges that lie ahead. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics Volume 13 is August 31, 2012. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.