Pre-Adoptive Genetic Testing: Is the Current Policy Too Restrictive?

Abstract

Developments in genetic technologies have made it possible to test for a variety of genetic disorders in children. The increased availability of genetic testing has put pressure on adoption agencies to provide genetic testing of pre-adoptive children. This paper examines the current policy on pre-adoptive genetic testing of children and proposed changes in the policy raised by key policy makers on medical genetics. These policy makers call for substantial restrictions on pre-adoptive genetic testing of all children available for adoption and ignore the potential positive outcomes that such testing could make in finding suitable adoptive families for hard-to-place children. It is recommended that pre-adoptive genetic testing be expanded to include children with special needs.