Synopses & Reviews
This book covers comprehensively and practically the ethical issues involved in prevention of intellectual disability.
Review
"What makes this book so valuable has to do with its focus on the beginning rather than the end of life precisely at a time of demographic change in starting families with the perhaps greater risks of ID among children." John K. Yost, Bradley University"The treatment of the ethical and clinical issues of the principle of autonomy and the quality of life pertaining to prenatal and later developing intellectually disabilities throughout the book makes this an especially valuable read." Doody Enterprises Inc.
Synopsis
Written by an author who is both a paediatrician and a philosopher, this is the first book that covers comprehensively the difficult ethical issues involved in prevention of intellectual disability (ID). These issues are discussed practically and theoretically in the light of four real cases. The cases cover the definition of ID, epidemiology, screening, and genetic counselling. Reproductive autonomy and public health models are scrutinised, and the practical issues of prevention are examined closely with respect to three syndromes. The question 'Why should intellectual disability be prevented?' is raised throughout.
Synopsis
In this book Pekka Louhiala, a paediatrician and a philosopher, covers comprehensively the ethical issues involved in prevention of intellectual disability (ID). These are discussed around four real cases and cover the definition of ID, epidemiology, screening, genetic counselling and the question of whether or not ID should be prevented.
About the Author
DOB: January 12 1957. Licentiate of Medicine 1984, Doctor of Medical Sciences 1993 (University of Helsinki), Doctor of Philosophy 2002 (University of Wales Swansea). Specialist in Paediatrics 1991. Various academic positions at the University of Helsinki 1992-2002, University Lecturer (medical ethics) 2002-. Part time paediatrician in private practice 1992-. Publications in paediatric epidemiology, medical ethics and philosophy of medicine.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. What is intellectual disability?; 3. Epidemiology of intellectual disability; 4. Prevention of intellectual disability: general issues; 5. Prenatal diagnosis and screening; 6. Genetic counselling; 7. Why should intellectual disability be prevented?; 8. Moral status and intellectual disability; 9. The ethics of prevention in practice: three syndromes; 10. Conclusion; References; Index.