Modern Genetic Research and Ethics:

#1 - When Does Life Begin?

I. Historical Perspectives

A. The Human Genome Project – Letting the genie out of the bottle!
B. The explosive impact of genetic research and the production of new ethical issues

II. What is meant by natural reproduction?

A. Overview of the techniques for creating humans

III. When does life begin?

A. What are the differences between an embryo and a fetus?
B. Is it the mind that makes the man?

IV. Is one reproductive technology morally more acceptable than another?

A. Do the risks of producing by IVF a child with special needs outweigh the desire of an infertile couple to have a child?

V. Artificial insemination, oocyte donation, in vitro fertilization – who are my parents?

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Describe what you mean by natural reproduction.
2. Define the societal changes that have led to greater utilization of various techniques for reproduction.
3. Present two definitions of human life and personhood.
4. Explain two viewpoints regarding fertility and infertility in our world society
5. Identify at least two legal and ethical concerns that arise from IVF
6. Describe the nurses role in answering the patient’s concerns about fertility issues.

#2 - Are Cloning and Sex Selection of Offspring in our Future?

I. Dolly : A controversial symbol

II. What is cloning and should we do it with humans?

III. Will there be a shortage of females in the future if sex selection becomes common practice?

IV. How is sex selection currently practiced and is it ethically acceptable?

V. What would the role of nurses be in a society that routinely clones organs?

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the political furor produced by Dolly’s birth.
2. Describe the differences between reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning.
3. Identify the ethical issues surrounding parentage for cloned individuals.
4. List the reasons often presented for male preference in infants.
5. Describe ethical issues faced by nurses and patients in the discussion over cloning.

#3 - The Right to Reproduce

I. Abortion – legalization versus ethical decision

II. Medical ethics and abortion

III. Is compromise possible on the issue of abortion?

IV. Surrogacy- Who’s my mother?

A. The psychological hazards for the couple and the surrogate.
B. Is surrogacy morally acceptable?
C. Who has rights to the child if things go awry?

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the ethical positions of both pro and con proponents of abortion.
2. Describe the legalities of abortion at the federal level.
3. Explain the impact of Roe v. Wade on abortion in the U.S.A..
4. Describe the role of the nurse in assisting patient’s facing difficult decisions regarding childbearing.
5. Identify the potential risk to each participant in a surrogacy arrangement.

#4 - Screening for Genetic Abnormalities – Genetic Enhancement – Is it our Future?

I. Knowledge of pre-natal birth defects – Risk of the return of eugenics?

II. Screening techniques and when they can be applied.

III. Ethical considerations of antenatal testing – Should there be restrictions?

IV. Genetic engineering – the production of health or excellence?

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the mechanisms of prenatal testing that are available.
2. Outline the reasons for use and the concerns surrounding prenatal testing.
3. Identify the major ethical issues surrounding the future engineering of children for certain characteristics.
4. Explain the issues of autonomy, parental motives, justice and equality as applied to genetic enhancement.
5. Describe the nurse’s role in assisting patient’s in decisions about screening or diagnostic genetic testing.

#5 - Spare Part Children – Am I my Brother’s Keeper?

I. Techniques of selection of an appropriate embryo

II. Case studies

III. Arguments for and against production of a donor child

IV. Risks to the donor child

V. Risks to the value of human life

VI. Implications of stem cell research

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the process of preimplantation genetic diagnosis used to select and appropriate embryo.
2. Define the legal ramifications of conception of a spare-part child.
3. Identify the ethical arguments for and against the use of technology to produce a spare-part child.
4. Explain the potential ethics of the use of stem cells in the future to answer the need for “spare parts.”

#6 - Personalized Medicine – A Future Concept for Nursing and Medical Care

I. The goals of personalized medicine – right drug, right dose, first time as an example

II. Who controls or has access to your DNA?

III. Proposed Methods of control of DNA information – GINA legislation

IV. Controversies – Where Should the Line be Drawn?

A. National, personal, or world society decisions about the use of genetics to improve health care

V. Final Thoughts

Behavioral/Learning Objectives:

1. Describe fears and concerns associated with the concept of individual DNA analysis for medical use.
2. Explain the legal and ethical issues surrounding control of the information contained in an individual’s DNA.
3. Describe issues such as limitation of access to personal DNA information by insurers, health care providers, employers.
4. Identify the ethical issues of personal autonomy and justice as applied to balancing the explosion in genetic knowledge and potential for improved health care with concerns about privacy.
5. Describe the potential role of nurses in the development and implementation of personalized medicine ideals in the delivery of health care.

Accreditation Information

Academy medical Systems is also a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider #CEP14413, for 9.0 hours. And we are also a provider approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, provider #50-19, for 9.0 hours.

Iowa Nurses - The Iowa Board of Nurses will recognize the recorded webinars as a home study program. They recognize our ANCC approved provider status as well as our CA and Fl Board of Nursing provider approval for home study products for nurses in Iowa.

All other states recognize our approved provider status listed in the above text for continuing education credit for nurses. 9.0 contact hours will be rewarded to nursing professionals at the completion of this workshop.

Psychologists - Please check your state board requirements for continuing education approval. Many boards will accept our programs for your continuing education requirements.

Dietitians - Academy Medical Systems is a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Accredited Provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians, registered (DTRs) will receive 9.0 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/material.

Occupational Therapist - Occupational Therapist will receive 9, continuing education hours for completion this program and a test score of 70% or better. AMS is an approved provider for the AOTA , provider # 5470.  This course is an intermediate education level.

Physical Therapists - PTs in the following states will receive 9 contact hours for completion of all 6 webinars: AK, CA, CO, CT, HI, IA, ID, IN, KS (Cat 2), MA, ME, MI, MN (Cat 2), MT, NE, NM, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, UT, VA (Type 2), VT, VI, WA, WY.

Because each state’s continuing education requirements for physical therapists is subject to change, please verify this information with your state board. Thank you.

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