Newborn Screening

Al and Marsha Jones just had their first child. Marsha had a perfectly normal pregnancy and their son appears, at birth, to be perfectly normal.

It is quite a surprise when the doctor calls them a few days after they take the baby home and asks them to bring him in for more tests. The doctor asks that both the mother and father come along because he wants to talk to them.

In his office the doctor says that a blood test was done while the baby was in the hospital as required by law. The test shows that the baby might have a genetic disease called phenylketonuria (PKU). However, more tests are needed to be sure. The Jones are told not to worry because there is a treatment for the condition. Neither Marsha nor Al has ever heard of the disease nor has anyone in their family.

Questions

1. If all newborns are going to be screened, should parents have a chance to refuse? Why or why not?

2. If you were Al or Marsha Jones, what would you do next?

3. Should screening for diseases or defects be allowed when there is no cure or treatment? Why or why not?