Table 4 A comparative analysis of rights-based and interest-based ethical frameworks when applied to decisions about predictive genetic testing of children for adult-onset conditions
From: Rethinking the “open future” argument against predictive genetic testing of children
Rights-based framework | Interest-based framework | |
|---|---|---|
Focus | Future adulthood | Childhood/adolescence extending forward |
Function | Singling out one future-oriented autonomy interest for exceedingly strong protection until adulthood | Weighing and balancing numerous competing interests comprising children’s present and future health and well-being |
Flexibility | Very low (applied to all not-yet-autonomous minors at all stages, in all contexts, and irrespective of shifting evidence base) | High (developmentally contoured, contextually tailored, and responsive to shifting evidence base) |
