Genetische Diagnostik an kranken Menschen
Ausgabe: 4/2002
48. Jahrgang
Probleme der ärztlichen Schweigepflicht in Familien mit Erbkrankheiten
Genes and the knowledge about their configuration constitute an integral part of human personality, but they are not individual by nature. This is why persons carrying a hereditary disease are obliged to share sensitive data with their relatives, whose health and even survival may depend on being informed about their risk. In families with genetic diseases, physicians must promote the necessary flow of information by emphasizing its importance. In exceptional cases of conflict, the right to know of persons at risk may entitle physicians even to break medical confidentiality, though they do not constitute a duty to do so. These decisions must be based on restrictive criteria in accordance with the principle of non-maleficence.
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