Should whole-genome sequencing become part of newborn screening? : McGill Reporter

Should whole-genome sequencing become part of newborn screening? : McGill Reporter

Should whole-genome sequencing become part of newborn screening?

Posted on Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Ethical, legal and social issues should be weighed before adopting the technology in public programs, researchers argue

“Any change in newborn screening programs should be guided by what’s in the best interests of the child,” says Bartha M. Knoppers, Director of the Centre of Genomics and Policy at McGill. “We must also tread carefully in interpreting the scientific validity and clinical usefulness of WGS results.”

By Chris Chipello