Ethical language and themes in news coverage of genetic testing

Ethical theory is employed in this study to assess news coverage of genetic testing, a topic with widely acknowledged ethical implications for professions and society. Ethical language and themes were examined in thirty-one broadcast and print stories by major news organizations in 1995 and 1996. Concerns about consequences, especially avoidance of harm, were prominent in most stories; ethical duties received less attention. Ethical themes, sometimes emerging as direct questions to readers or viewers, underlined choices facing individuals and society. Some stories powerfully brought home ethical issues without directly mentioning ethics.