Naming and framing in genomic testing

Eline M Bunnik; Maartje H N Schermer; A Cecile J W Janssens

doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2013.11.001

Naming and framing in genomic testing

Trends Mol Med. 2014 Feb;20(2):63-5. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.11.001.

Authors

Eline M Bunnik¹, Maartje H N Schermer², A Cecile J W Janssens³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Na 21.02, PO Box 2400, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: e.bunnik@erasmusmc.nl.
² Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Room Na 21.02, PO Box 2400, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
³ Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2400, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, CNR 3025, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

PMID: 24485561
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.11.001

Abstract

What's in a name? Terminology has the power to shape the ethical and regulatory debate surrounding commercially offered genomic testing. This article discusses the normative effects of naming and framing, and proposes that the medical frame, with its focus on the reduction of harm, should be used in the evaluation and regulation of predictive genomic testing.

Keywords: ethical issues; frame analysis; genomic testing; personal genome testing; regulation.

Publication types

Editorial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Genetic Testing* / ethics
Genetic Testing* / legislation & jurisprudence
Genetic Testing* / methods
Genomics* / ethics
Genomics* / legislation & jurisprudence
Genomics* / methods
Humans