Chromosomal disorders and Bioethics

Abstract

The human being has approximately 30,000 genes, distributed in 23 pairs of chromosomes, giving a total of 46 chromosomes of which 23 correspond to each parent. Durin the process of cell division, both somatic and gametogenesis, spontaneous or induced accidents may occur that produce chromosomal anomalies or chromosomopathies that result from a grater or lesser amount of hereditary material and are the cause of some syndromes such as Down syndrome (trisomy twenty-one), but also of spontaneous abortions and diseases or problems in growth and development. In recent years, techniques have been developed with which chromosomal anomalies can be detected from a DNA sample that does not turn out to be non-traumatic for the mother or baby. Reason why the prevention and diagnosis of chromosomopathies has gained great relevance in maternal and child health care. However, these types of procedures have created ethical policies and legislation by virtue of the responsibility of paternal action on the fetus, in the presence of a chromosomal alteration that can culminate in disability or fetal or neonatal death. For this reason, the personal physician must seek to provide genetic counseling that guides parents in making decisions in accordance with their ideology, culture, and socioeconomic level, without leaving aside respect for the bioethical principles of the fetus, which is why that the development of international consensus that directs the implementation of genetic counseling is essential.