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Neurological Diversity and Epigenetic Influences in Utero. An Ethical Investigation of Maternal Responsibility Towards the Future Child

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Parental Responsibility in the Context of Neuroscience and Genetics

Part of the book series: International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine ((LIME,volume 69))

Abstract

Epigenetics is a discipline that aims to demonstrate how environmental factors influence organisms on a molecular level by explaining how these factors can affect the expression of genes. Epigenetic changes are assumed to be heritable and reversible, thus challenging the central dogma of genetics. This dogma states that genes are transcribed and translated unidirectionally to proteins and the genetic code cannot be changed through environmental influences. In addition, in neurology it is believed that epigenetics partly explains the development of neurological conditions and plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. As many epigenetic changes happen in utero, maternal behaviour may affect brain development. This raises questions regarding the responsibility of the pregnant woman. In this chapter, I investigate first whether and how epigenetics complicates the question of maternal responsibility, if even behaviour of years before conception may have consequences for the wellbeing of the future child. To what extent is it an individual responsibility or a collective one? Second, by using the examples of autism and high intelligence (“giftedness”), I investigate the distinction between prevention and enhancement, and demonstrate the relevance for this discussion of classifying neurological difference as an identity rather than an affliction. By analysing different concepts and arguments, I highlight the need for a new framework for maternal, parental and collective responsibility that is applicable to the context of neurology, epigenetics and beyond.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For example, the company SmartGames advertises: “Have fun exercising your brain! Utilize skills ranging from spatial insight to pattern recognition, while improving your problem solving abilities and your memory”.

  2. 2.

    “M-Decreet”, stands for “Maatregelen voor leerlingen met specifieke onderwijsbehoeften”, which translates to “measurements for pupils with special educational needs”.

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Acknowledgement

Kristien Hens is supported by a Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) “Back to Belgium” grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Stadscampus, Grote Kauwenberg 18, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium

    Kristien Hens

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  1. Kristien Hens
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Correspondence to Kristien Hens .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

    Kristien Hens

  2. Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

    Daniela Cutas

  3. Department of Health, Ethics and Society School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Dorothee Horstkötter

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Hens, K. (2017). Neurological Diversity and Epigenetic Influences in Utero. An Ethical Investigation of Maternal Responsibility Towards the Future Child. In: Hens, K., Cutas, D., Horstkötter, D. (eds) Parental Responsibility in the Context of Neuroscience and Genetics. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 69. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42834-5_7

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