Prenatal screening for XYY syndrome: technological advances and ethical challenges
10.3760/cma.j.cn113903-20241230-00869
- VernacularTitle:超雄综合征产前筛查：技术进展与伦理挑战
- Author:
Xiaohui ZHANG
1
;
Wenpei TANG
1
Author Information
1. 北京大学医学人文学院，北京 100191
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Supermale syndrome;
47,XYY syndrome;
Sex chromosome abnormalities;
Antisocial behavior;
Non-invasive prenatal testing
- From:
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine
2025;28(8):716-720
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
In 1961, the first documented case of a Caucasian male with 47,XYY karyotype was reported in the United States. During the 1960s, British geneticists postulated a potential association between XYY syndrome and criminal behavior, leading the media to label this karyotype the "criminal chromosome." Consequently, individuals with XYY syndrome faced stigmatization as "born criminals," a notion robustly refuted by contemporary research. With advancements in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), screening for XYY syndrome now presents emerging ethical dilemmas. While NIPT enables screening, societal perceptions of sex chromosome abnormalities influence screening acceptance and may lead to selective termination. The intersection of technological progress and ethical challenges necessitates a cautious approach from the scientific community and demands societal efforts to establish the balance between reproductive autonomy, rights protection, and stigma elimination.
