Prenatal Testing: A Sociological Perspective, with a new Afterword

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Prenatal testing for genetic abnormalities has transformed pregnancy and motherhood. Using sociological research, this book analyses the social-psychological and ethical implications of invasive prenatal testing, particularly CVS and amniocentesis. Among the issues covered are: changes in the genetic counselling profession and in client demographics; the challenge of nondirective genetic counselling; decisions of testing and on which test to have; the timing and risks of the procedures; abortion and grief; the ethics of sex education; potential uses and abuses of genetic knowledge; and policy and ethical implications.

Reviews

.,."a timely and welcome contribution to the ongoing national discussions and medical/ethical dialogues on the controversial and expanding use of prenatal testing."-The Midwest Book Review
...a timely and welcome contribution to the ongoing national discussions and medical/ethical dialogues on the controversial and expanding use of prenatal testing.-The Midwest Book Review
Genetic counseling training programs should consider this resource for their required reading lists.- Journal of Genetic Counseling
The literature the authors have drawn on reflects their own backgrounds in medical sociology, anthropology, and health policy. The breadth of analysis makes this book a significant addition to other accounts of research into women's experiences of prenatal testing.-Midwifery, U.K.
..."a timely and welcome contribution to the ongoing national discussions and medical/ethical dialogues on the controversial and expanding use of prenatal testing."-The Midwest Book Review
"Genetic counseling training programs should consider this resource for their required reading lists."- Journal of Genetic Counseling
"The literature the authors have drawn on reflects their own backgrounds in medical sociology, anthropology, and health policy. The breadth of analysis makes this book a significant addition to other accounts of research into women's experiences of prenatal testing."-Midwifery, U.K.

Author Bio

lker /f Aliza/b ALIZA KOLKER is Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at George Mason University./e She is the author or editor of three previous books on health and policy issues. ke /f B. /i Meredith/b B. MEREDITH BURKE, a consulting demographer to major donor agencies overseas, has taught health and demographic policy courses at several universities./e Formerly with the international division of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she was a visiting scholar at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, 1996-7. She has published extensively in professional journals and in the news media about genetics, health care and policy issues.