Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T04:32:15.654Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

A Methodology for Simulating the Impact of DNA-probe Services on the Outcomes of Pregnancies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 October 2009

Roger Beech
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London
Roberto J. Rona
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London
Anthony V. Swan
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London
Oonagh M. Wilson
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London
Sundhiya Mandalia
Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals, London

Abstract

For certain single-gene disorders, DNA probes allow individuals to make more informed decisions about family size and the outcomes of pregnancies. They may also have important psychological effects. We present a method of assessing their impact on the outcomes of pregnancy. We conclude that the traditional approach, which focuses solely on the potential of prenatal diagnostic services to reduce affected births, is limited. It neglects the potential of such services to promote an increase in unaffected births by reducing the number of unnecessary terminations.

Type
General Essays
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1.Beech, R., Rona, R., Swan, A. V., et al. Genetic services in the context of DNA probes: What do they cost? Journal of Medical Genetics, 1989, 26, 237–44.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2.Callan, J.The economics of prenatal screening. Discussion paper no. 42. York, U.K.: Centre for Health Economics, 1988.Google Scholar
3.Chappie, J. C., Dale, R., & Evans, B. G.The new genetics: Will it pay its way? Lancet, 1987, i, 1189–92.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4.Mooney, G., & Lange, M. Economic appraisal in prenatal screening: Some methodological issues. Paper presented to the U.K. Health Economists’ study group meeting, Dublin, July 5–7, 1990.Google Scholar
5.Rona, R. J., Swan, A. V., Beech, R., et al. Demand for DNA probe testing in three genetic centres in Britain (August 1986 to July 1987). Journal of Medical Genetics, 1989, 26, 226–36.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6.Royal College of Physicians. Prenatal diagnosis and genetic screening: Community and service implications. London: Royal College of Physicians, 1989.Google Scholar