ABSTRACT
Those who do genetic counseling agree that it should always be done in a morally neutral manner. This is reflected in professional discussions of the goals of genetic counseling, in the norms that should govern the behavior of clinical geneticists and counselors, and in discussions of the techniques and methods that counselors should use to attain their goals. The long dominant view of the goals, norms, and methods thought appropriate in genetic counseling can be accurately described as an ethos of value neutrality (Antley 1979; Fraser 1974; President’s Commission 1983b; World Medical Association 1987; Harris 1991; Rothman 1986).
