GENETIC SCREENING AND THE RISK OF EUGENICS IN MODERN MEDICINE

Júlia feitosa araújo de carvalho; Larissa Maciel Lima

Todos os Trabalhos

Trabalho

Título do Trabalho

GENETIC SCREENING AND THE RISK OF EUGENICS IN MODERN MEDICINE

Autores

Júlia feitosa araújo de carvalho
Larissa Maciel Lima

Modalidade

Resumo

Área temática

Bioética

Data de Publicação

21/08/2026

País da Publicação

Brasil

Idioma da Publicação

pt-BR

Página do Trabalho

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1513308-genetic-screening-and-the-risk-of-eugenics-in-modern-medicine

ISBN

978-65-272-2684-0

Palavras-Chave

"Genetic Screening", "Eugenics", "Polygenic Embryo Screening" and "Reproductive Ethics"

Resumo

INTRODUCTION: The expansion of genetic screening technologies has transformed preventive and reproductive medicine. However, these advances have revived ethical concerns historically associated with eugenics. Although current practices are grounded in autonomy and informed consent, the increasing scope of genetic selection raises questions about whether subtle forms of population-level selection may emerge. OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate recent evidence on whether contemporary genetic screening practices are associated with ethical concerns or dynamics resembling eugenic principles. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected using the terms “genetic screening,” “eugenics,” “polygenic embryo screening,” and “reproductive ethics.” Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed studies addressing ethical, clinical, or social implications of genetic screening. Empirical studies, reviews, and ethical analyses were included. Articles not directly related to the topic or not available in English were excluded. Data were extracted regarding study design, population, and main ethical findings. RESULTS: The literature consistently distinguishes modern genetic screening from historical eugenics by emphasizing voluntariness and clinical intent, particularly in disease prevention. However, concern increases when technologies are applied to non-medical traits, especially polygenic embryo screening. Studies report that such applications are more frequently perceived as eugenic by both clinicians and the public. Additionally, evidence suggests that reproductive choices may be indirectly shaped by social norms, medical framing, and technological availability. Equity issues are recurrent, with unequal access potentially reinforcing existing social disparities and contributing to stratified reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSION: Genetic screening is not inherently eugenic but operates within a complex ethical landscape. The risk lies in the expansion of non-therapeutic uses and structural inequalities that may normalize selective practices. Continuous ethical oversight and equitable access policies are essential to prevent the emergence of eugenic-like patterns in modern healthcare.

Título do Evento: XXVII FIAMC World Congress for Catholic Physicians - ABSTRACT SESSION
Cidade do Evento: Brasília
Título dos Anais do Evento: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians
Nome da Editora: Even3
Meio de Divulgação: Meio Digital

Como citar

CARVALHO, Júlia feitosa araújo de; LIMA, Larissa Maciel. GENETIC SCREENING AND THE RISK OF EUGENICS IN MODERN MEDICINE.. In: Proceedings of the XXVII FIAMC World Congress of Catholic Physicians and VI Brazilian Congress of Catholic Physicians. Anais...Brasília(DF) Casa Dom Luciano, 2026. Disponível em: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/xxvii-fiamc-world-congress-for-catholic-physicians-abstract-session-688844/1513308-GENETIC-SCREENING-AND-THE-RISK-OF-EUGENICS-IN-MODERN-MEDICINE. Acesso em: 11/09/2026