GENETIC SCREENING - A COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS OF 3 RECENT REPORTS

Three recent reports on genetic screening published in the United King dom, Denmark and the Netherlands are discussed. Comparison of the Dutc h report with the Danish and the Nuffield reports reveals that the Dut ch report focuses on the aim of enlarging the scope for action, Emphas ising protection of autonomy and self-determination of the screenee mo re than the other two reports. The three reports hare in common that t he main concern is with concrete issues such as stigmatisation, discri mination, protection of the private sphere and issues linked with labo ur and insurance. Some potential long term consequences, however, tend to be neglected or underestimated. These omissions are pointed out.