title: New laws for new knowledge?
abstract: Developments in genetic understanding place upon family physicians diagnostic, warning and referral responsibilities which the law reinforces. Professional standards of care and skill have a legal rather than a purely professional basis. Treatment options such as sterilization, abortion and artificial insemination by donor, compel practitioners' proper awareness of their legal and ethical responsibilities, particularly to respect patients' autonomy. This is better achieved through professional education than through litigation and legislation.
authors.forename: Bernard M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Dickens
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D026688:Bioethical Issues; D001675:Bioethics; D002170:Canada; D030881:Disclosure; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D007603:Jurisprudence; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D008318:Malpractice; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012098:Reproduction; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive; D015974:Wrongful Life