Genetic counseling and the disabled: feminism examines the stance of those who stand at the gate

Hypatia. 2002 Summer;17(3):118-42.

Abstract

This essay examines the possible systematic bias against the disabled in the structure and practice of genetic counseling. Finding that the profession's "nondirective" imperative remains problematic, the authors recommend that methodology developed by feminist standpoint epistemology be used to incorporate the perspective of disabled individuals in genetic counselors' education and practice, thereby reforming society's view of the disabled and preventing possible negative effects of genetic counseling on the self-concept and material circumstance of disabled individuals.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Deafness / genetics
  • Directive Counseling / ethics
  • Disabled Persons* / psychology
  • Down Syndrome / genetics
  • Female
  • Feminism*
  • Genetic Counseling* / ethics
  • Humans
  • Prejudice