To Test, or Not to Test, That is the Question A Bioethical Project Presented by: Alla Natalie Orna IB Chemistry 4 June 2006

Huntington's Disease ● Huntington's disease is a genetic disease caused by a dominant gene. ● It is a degenerative brain disorder that creates physical and mental disabilities. ● People usually start exhibiting symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. ● It usually brings on personality changes and depression. ● There is a 50% chance of a parent passing the disease onto their child.

Huntington's Disease Part 2 ● The gene that codes for Huntington's disease is called IT15, or Huntingtin. ● Death usually occurs years after symptoms are first noticed.

The Issue at Hand... ● Priya's Mother just died from Huntington's disease. ● Huntington's disease is a genetic disease which is a dominant gene. ● There is a test for Huntington's disease. ● Should Priya get tested?

Two Sides to Every Question ● Two things that one must consider before making the decision are the financial concerns and moral considerations.

Financial Concerns ● How much do these tests cost? how much would you pay? ● Do Insurance Companies pay for the test? Should they? ● Who pays for the medical bills? Who should? ● Who should raise the child once the parent dies?

Moral Concerns ● If you know that you have HD, should you tell your fiance? ● Would this affect your decision to have children? ● If you have children, and find out that you have HD, should you test your children? Would you do a pre-natal test? ● Should you tell your siblings so that they can be tested?

In Conclusion... ● Before you make the decision to test yourself for HD, consider: ● Moral responsibilities: whom do you tell? ● Financial responsibilities: If you tell your insurance company (and you have to) your rates are going to be much higher (or you won't get insurance). ● Reactions of others: how would you feel if others treated you differently knowing that you would die in a few years?

Express Yourself! ● Would you take the Huntington's Disease test if a parent had the disease?