The possibilities offered by modern medicine are advancing rapidly. Today, it is possible to obtain genetic information about an unborn child early in pregnancy without invasive procedures. Newborns in Switzerland are also routinely tested for certain rare diseases after birth.

Currently, Switzerland’s newborn screening program covers 11 diseases for which early treatment is crucial. However, there is an increasing international discussion about significantly expanding genetic testing to cover entire birth cohorts. Genetic testing is already an integral part of prenatal diagnostics, such as during pregnancy or as part of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

However, more knowledge does not automatically lead to better decisions. Questions of autonomy, responsibility, data protection, and how to deal with uncertainty affect us all, particularly expectant parents and those affected, as well as society as a whole.

This panel discussion invites you to share your thoughts and join the conversation.

Prof. Dr. med. Matthias Baumgartner
Director Teaching and Research, Chair and Head of Division of Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital Zurich
Co-Director URPP ITINERARE
Prof. Dr. med., Dipl. Soz. Tanja Krones
Head Physician Clinical Ethics , General secretary clinical ethics Committee University and University Hospital Zurich
Co-Director UFSP H2R
Prof. Dr. iur. utr. Brigitte Tag
Competence Center Medicine – Ethics – Law Helvetiae (MERH)
Karen Merkel
Journalist and author

Moderator:
Dr. Sebastian Wäscher