Geneticization in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) from an Islamic perspective

Abstract

With swift progress in innovative fields like genetics and genomics, the application of genetic and genomics technologies in medicine has surged to unparallel heights, extending into domains traditionally beyond the scope of medical applications such as marriage. This phenomenon, known as geneticization, raises complex ethical, legal, and social implications. Originating in Western, dominantly secular frameworks, genetic and genomic technologies, particularly screening procedures such as prenatal screening (PNS), newborn screening (NBS), premarital screening (PMS), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are now increasingly embedded within healthcare systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. However, introducing these technologies into Islamic socio-legal contexts, raises complex questions regarding cultural suitability, religious acceptability and proper regulations. This study examines the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) of geneticization in the GCC region from an Islamic perspective by employing a mixed-methods approach combining systematic literature review, conceptual analysis, and qualitative empirical research. Twenty-seven semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with two stakeholder groups: Nine professionals overseeing genetic and genomic initiatives and eighteen participants of the PMS procedure, to understand their experiences and perspectives regarding these procedures. Additionally, I examined the Islamic ethico-legal perspectives associated with the above mentioned genetic and genome screening procedures and the associated ELSI. A set of policy recommendations was proposed to support the effective implementation of genetic and genomic screening programs, with careful consideration of cultural and religious contexts, and with particular attention to addressing the ELSI associated with geneticization.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Health & Life Sciences