Attitudes towards Genetic Diagnosis in Pakistan: A Survey of Medical and Legal Communities and Parents of Thalassemic Children

Abstract

Attitudes regarding genetic diagnosis are markedly different among various societal groups in Pakistan. The parents of the affected children strongly favor genetic screening as does the medical community, though not as strongly as the parents. The legislative groups, particularly the MPs, are reserved in their support. Genetic diagnosis can help decrease the disease burden in the future. However, it raises a number of ethical issues, which need to be addressed. It is important to educate the population about potential benefits as well as ethical dilemmas involved so that the general public is able to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.