| Genetic counseling for thalassemia in the Islamic Republic of Iran. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19684371 Owner: NLM Status: In-Process |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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The response of groups to pressing medical problems cannot be predicted on theoretical grounds. An example is the program for the control of beta-thalassemia in Iran, a country with a tradition of inbreeding and a conservative religious culture, and in which thalassemia is common. Thalassemia is largely treatable, but the treatment is lifelong and onerous and creates a serious economic burden for the individual family and for the national health budget. The genetics are simple, and inexpensive screening tests are available to identify carriers. An Iranian program requiring mandatory premarital screening was started in 1997, and between 1998 and 2005 the laws of the country were modified to permit abortion of affected fetuses. The story of this effort indicates how a country with a social system very different from that of the United States responded to a medical problem with significant ethical overtones. The Iranian experience supports the optimistic view that societies can react to pressing problems with pragmatic rather than theoretical solutions. |
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Authors:
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Bernard S Strauss |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Perspectives in biology and medicine Volume: 52 ISSN: 0031-5982 ISO Abbreviation: Perspect. Biol. Med. Publication Date: 2009 |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-08-17 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0401132 Medline TA: Perspect Biol Med Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 364-76 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. bs19@uchicago.edu |
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Descriptor/Qualifier:
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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