ABSTRACT
The complexities arise out of a number of factors including some contradictory operating assumptions, rapid changes in the state of knowledge in genetics and medicine, and the essential private nature of reproductive decisions. Turning to the genetics of the human species, we find the genetic material linearly arranged on 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes come in pairs. Twenty-two of these pairs are autosomes and the remaining parts are the X, Y sex chromosomes. In human reproduction both parents contribute half of the genetic makeup to the offspring, that is, the sperm and the egg each contribute 23 chromosomes. The major instrument for prevention and treatment of genetic disease is genetic screening which involves also some new medical procedures. Screening is the primary genetic technology for prevention and treatment of genetically caused mental retardation, though perhaps gene-splicing will provide some promise in the future. Genetic diversity and uniqueness must not be ignored, but neither must we be beguiled into ignoring environmental factors.
