Preventing Intellectual Disability
Ethical and Clinical Issues
1st Edition
Published on 20. December 2004
978-0-511-05625-3 (ISBN)
Description
This is the first book that covers comprehensively the difficult ethical issues involved in prevention of intellectual disability (learning disability, mental retardation). These issues are discussed both practically and theoretically in the light of four case examples drawn from real life. The cases demonstrate various issues raised by the concept of preventing intellectual disability, including definition, epidemiology, screening, and genetic counselling. Two major approach models (reproductive autonomy and public health) are scrutinised, and the practical issues of prevention are examined closely with respect to three syndromes (Down, Fragile X, and Aspartylugosaminuria). The question 'Why should intellectual disability be prevented?' is examined thoroughly at each stage. As a paediatrician and a philosopher, Dr Louhiala presents the issues in a way that is both user-friendly and philosophically sound.
Reviews / Votes
'A moral minefield is carefully mapped and made accessible ...'. Journal of Psychological Medicine '... represents a happy marriage between ethical and clinical issues. A close reading of this important and challenging book has been an important experience for the reviewer. Offering sound food for thought, it demands a good act of mastication to be properly digested. I recommend it to all who are engaged in 'a joint search for a morally excusable decision' in matters of genetic counselling.' European Child and Adolescent PsychiatryMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Cambridge University Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
7 Tables, unspecified; 3 Line drawings, color
File size
1,47 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-511-05625-3 (9780511056253)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
12/2003
Cambridge University Press
€171.13
No shipping information available
Book
12/2003
Cambridge University Press
€76.00
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Person
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.
Content
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.
