The Whole Truth and Nothing but the Truth

Abstract

Two commentaries explore the question of how much information should be disclosed to a 16-year-old female patient about the genetic abnormality, testicular feminization (XY genotype), which renders her infertile. She has presented with precancerous testes that require surgical removal and also needs an operation on her vagina in order for her to be able to engage in intercourse. Minoque and Taraszewski argue that full disclosure creates no significant benefit to the patient's freedom to act in accordance with what she considers her own best interest, so that the physician has no obligation to convey the genetic information to the patient or to her parents. Elias and Annas contend that everyone's best interests will be best served only by a full explanation of the syndrome and of the risks and benefits of the suggested surgery for consent to the surgery to be informed.