Eugenics and its Relevance to Contemporary Health Care

Abstract

Recently there has been a revival of interest in the theory and practice of eugenics by both academics and lay people. The ongoing revolution in biology and the increasing ability to acquire genetic information has led to concerns about genetics being used again for sinister eugenic ends. Although the goals behind traditional eugenics--the minimization of disease and the improvement of human health--remain unchanged, the means by which these goals should be achieved have altered significantly. However, in debates about the impact of human genetic research, eugenics is sometimes viewed as a purely historical phenomenon and its relevance to the current situation is minimized. This article outlines the history of the eugenics movement, describes some eugenic practices, and explores why an appreciation of these historical debates is important for nurses.

The Social and Ethical Implications of Changing Medical Technologies: The Views of People Living with Genetic Conditions

“…How does this situation relate to eugenic policies of the past? Genetic testing is looked at through a historical perspective on eugenics by Iredale (2000). She notes that coercion was one important factor in eugenic policies of the past that has now largely disappeared and observes how modern genetics is similar in intent to traditional eugenic policies (the wish for healthy children to be born and elimination of genetic disease) albeit now at an individual level through genetic counselling clinics.…”

Critical social theory approach to disclosure of genomic incidental findings

“…Nurses should have skills to implement strategies that provide support when there are potential negative effects of genomic discoveries. 39 By supporting tenets of CST such as enlightenment, empowerment, and emancipation, nurse researchers can improve participant satisfaction with the investigatory process. 17 When well informed and skilled, individuals can make better decisions to preserve their own interests, thereby reflecting a CST perspective.…”

Nursing, obedience, and complicity with eugenics: a contextual interpretation of nursing morality at the turn of the twentieth century

“…Even when the history of eugenics is examined with regard to the present dangers of eugenics, nurse involvement is never explicitly examined. 38 Most scholarship and research tends to focus on how eugenics came to a head in the evils committed by nurses during the euthanasia programmes in the Nazi era in Germany. [39][40][41] With regard to the involvement of nurses in the Nazi euthanasia programmes, Walker's method of moral inquiry could perhaps open up new perspectives and give fresh insights into the contexts of the ethical dilemmas nurses faced and how they made ethical decisions to comply or resist.…”