[Early detection of risk for antisocial behaviour: towards moral bio enhancement?].

BACKGROUND

New technological possibilities for early identification of (risk) of later antisocial behavior.

AIM: To raise the question whether, or under what conditions, early identification is in the best interest of the (young) child.

METHOD: Ethical analysis in which fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is central.

RESULTS

The bioethical debate on 'moral bio enhancement' investigates the ethical desirability of practical applications of neurobiological and behavioral genetic knowledge of moral and immoral human behavior. One of those applications is the early detection of (risk) of behavioral disorders based on biomarkers. It seems plausible that early detection makes it possible to organize appropriate help. However, if effective interventions are not available, it is even more important to consider the disadvantages of focusing on future risk and any stigmatizing effects.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in the absence of effective interventions, broad social prevention is preferable to prevention based on screening for individual risk factors.