Assignment:
Prior to completing this discussion, please read the required chapter in the textbook, view the Prenatal Genetic Counseling video, and review any relevant Instructor Guidance.
Our advances in genetics have opened the door to improvements in the quality of life for many children, and have also initiated many debates on the ethical and moral considerations of genetic testing and intervention. In this discussion, you will demonstrate a foundational knowledge of a child's developmental continuum from conception by addressing one of these debates for your original post.
From the required resources consulted, identify two genetic tests routinely offered to women during their pregnancy. Citing at least one of these, or choosing at least one other scholarly resource, describe at least two benefits and two risks of each procedure. In your opinion, do the benefits of these procedures outweigh the risks posed to either the mother or fetus? Why or why not? Apply this information by choosing one of the scenarios below and address the specific issues presented supporting your conclusions with references from your sources:
Choice A: Sarah and Tony are expecting their first child. When the doctor asks the couple if they are interested in having an invasive genetic test done, Sarah says, "yes", but Tony is more hesitant and would prefer not to take the risk. What is the father's role in this decision considering the historical and contextual role of fathers in making decisions regarding pregnancy? What other issues, including family history, financial constraints, or ethics/morals, play in the decision of whether or not these parents should move forward with genetic testing? Be sure to support your conclusions with references from your sources.
-OR-
Choice B: Kerry and Greg just found out that they are expecting a baby. Greg knows that there is a family history of sickle cell mutation, and is worried. When their doctor announces a brand new experimental procedure to intervene while the fetus is in utero and correct the mutation, Greg is very excited. Kerry, however, is concerned about the risks and what it would mean to alter the genetics of their unborn child. Provide an argument either for or against intervening with genetic development prior to birth in order to prevent developmental, learning/cognitive, or physical disabilities. What about altering things like hair or eye color, sex, or cosmetic issues (like missing or deformed limbs)? At what point should we draw the line between improving the quality of life and incorporating unnecessary risk in the quest for perfection? Be sure to support your conclusions with references from your sources.
Prior to completing this discussion, please read Chapter 2 in the textbook and familiarize yourself with each of the following guides: Thinglink Quick-Start Guide, Glogster Quick-Start Guide, Prezi Quick-Start Guide, Screencast-O-Matic Quick-Start Guide and Screenr Quick-Start Guide. Review any relevant Instructor Guidance.
For this discussion, you will write a script, search for photos and/or videos or other eye-catching visuals, and create a screencast that you feel captures the essence of Postpartum Depression and the effects on mother, father, as well as the developmental effects on the infant in order to create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Postpartum Depression:
To begin, create a script for your visual presentation. It must address each of the following points:
• What is Postpartum Depression?
• Analyze and comment on at least one of the following interactions of the major themes as factors influencing the developmental physical, cognitive and psychosocial outcomes for the mother, father/partner, and infant:
• Health and Well-Being
• Family and Parenting
• Education
• Culture and Gender
• How can Postpartum Depression influence the short- and long-term development of the infant?
• Address the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains of development?
• Provide at least one local and one wide-ranging (i.e. internet or phone) resource that someone with Postpartum Depression, or someone with a loved one suffering from Postpartum Depression, can access to find more information and/or get help.
• Include all relevant information on how to contact each resource.
Next, create a visual presentation which aligns with your script for a 60-second Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Postpartum Depression. To create this visual presentation, read the Quick Start Guides for Prezi, Glogster, and/or Thinglink, or use a more familiar tool like PowerPoint, to compile and organize your visual imagery. Remember, regardless of the mode in which you create your presentation of materials, visuals are important and can be very powerful, so use them wisely! For examples, think about some popular Public Service Announcements that you may have seen on TV recently, such as those for starving children or mistreated animals.
Finally, you will utilize a screencast tool such as Screencast-O-Matic or YouTube (or another recording tool of your choice) to record your interactive presentation with your own voiceover as a PSA. Keep in mind - 60 seconds goes very quickly. You will need to be sure to incorporate all of the information in a succinct and straightforward manner while remaining encouraging and positive as you share your learning with others (it is a PSA, after all!). It is highly recommended that you practice reading through your script while clicking through your visual presentation several times before recording to get your PSA narrowed down to the 60 second limit.
After completing your screencast for your 60-second PSA, submit your initial post with a link to your screenr.com presentation.
After completing your 60-second PSA screencast, submit your initial post in the following format:
Attach your script document using the add/remove link within the discussion post. Your script document must contain:
• Your name
• The title of your PSA
• The course number and title
• Your instructor's name
• The URL to your visual presentation
• The screencast URL (if this was created outside of the visual presentation).
• The written script with references in APA style.
Please see the Thinglink, Glogster, and Prezi samples, as well as these Screenr screencasts for Thinglink, Glogster, and Prezi for a sample PSA on general health.