Expanding my knowledge and skillset

pregnant woman

Published December 18, 2013, last updated on April 9, 2018 under Voices of DGHI

By Elisa Berson
Biology major and genome science and policies certificate
Bass Connections in Global Health Project: Non-invasive prenatal genetic testing in the developing world

During the summer of 2013, I completed a translational health science internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While in Buenos Aires, I initiated meetings with health professionals in order to learn more about the health system of Argentina. I learned about the various types of health care services (public, obra social [social work], and private), and through my time in a variety of clinics and hospitals, I was able to see the differences and similarities between these models. Moreover, I learned about the different research and innovations occurring in Argentinian health care facilities.

Upon arriving back to the United States, I desired to find a means to incorporate my newfound knowledge within the context of my research at Duke. I became a member of the interdisciplinary Bass Connections in Global Health team that is exploring the ethical, legal, social, and practical challenges of non-invasive prenatal testing in the developing world. Through my participation in this initiative, I have expanded upon my knowledge, particularly on the state of prenatal affairs in both Argentina and Brazil.

Argentina and Brazil are two South American countries in which non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) commercialization was recently announced; however, the technology is not yet pervasive. Meanwhile, both nations have reproductive laws governing the use of abortion, which can limit the usage and acceptance of NIPT. Therefore, I have been investigating the factors influencing acceptance and adoption of NIPT in comparison to invasive procedures. I’ve also been examining the laws on abortion and regulation of prenatal medical techniques that could impact implementation of NIPT technology, and determining the views and perceptions of physicians/experts/patients on prenatal genetic testing. I am analyzing the data to make predictions about the suitability and adoption of NIPT technology amidst the countries’ legal, medical, and socio-cultural framework.

I’m conducting my research through a primary literature search, review of legal documents, policy reports (such as WHO reports) and interviews with experts in Argentina and Brazil who have knowledge about a) reproductive technologies, b) the presence of prenatal abnormalities and the resulting conditions, c) laws related to reproductive health, and 4) the social structure that impacts prenatal testing and reproductive decision-making in Argentina and Brazil. I have been fortunate to be able to engage with stakeholders across the world.

Although I have encountered some challenges with conducting interviews, some due to language barriers, the support and guidance of my Bass Connections team has allowed me to overcome them. Working closely with my peers and faculty mentors has also helped me better understand the issues we are studying as a group. The skills I have gained so far through the project are invaluable in helping me learn how to conduct globally-relevant research using culturally-responsive approaches that engages people internationally.

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