Medical ethicists have discussed the use of race classification in determining disease prevalence and the response of specific ethnic groups to different medications.
Physicians need to take an active role in improving the genetic literacy of the general population and also push for public health policies that make new genetic tools available to everyone.
The history of the AMA's policy on anencephalic newborns as organ donors is a living example of what medical science can do sometimes conflicts with society's support or nonsupport of those possibilities.
When patients and physicians disagree on the use of genetic engineering technology, physicians must act in accordance with professional ethics and society's guidelines.
Genetic information is redefining what society and the medical profession considers to be normal and what departures from the norm are deserving of medical intervention.
Adrienne W. Henize, JD and Andrew F. Beck, MD, MPH
Data on certain chronic conditions’ prevalence, incidence of potentially preventable morbidity, and health-harming legal factors influence approaches to care.
AMA J Ethics. 2024;26(8):E648-654. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2024.648.