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Abstract
The article critically examines the ethical and legal obligation of the genetic counsellor with particular emphasis on the giving of advice to, and the protection of the reproductive autonomy of, the counsellee. It is submitted that neutrality or non-directiveness in the counselling process is fundamental to the protection of reproductive autonomy and is a widely accepted professional ethic. However, it is suggested that, because there is an inherent eugenic bias in genetic counselling, neutrality or non-directiveness is not always attained or attainable.
Further, it is submitted that both ethical and legal considerations suggest that the duty to respect the reproductive autonomy of the counsellee is relative rather than absolute. It can in certain circumstances be waived on grounds of non-maleficence.