INVITATION TO AN INTRODUCTORY LECTURE
Empowering parents: navigating ethical challenges in prenatal and newborn whole genome sequencing
by Dr Yiota (Panagiota) Nakou, Lecturer in Medical Ethics, UNIC Medical School
Introduction by Chloe Antoniou, Associate Professor & Co-Director of the Graduate Entry MD Programme, UNIC Medical School
BRIEF SUMMARY
This lecture introduces the ethical challenges and complexities of using whole genome sequencing (WGS) in prenatal and newborn screening, highlighting the difficulties in ensuring genuinely informed consent. It will also outline the aims and planned methodology of our early-stage research, which seeks to identify parents’ informational needs and develop a framework for improving consent processes. The session aims to provide an overview of the key issues while presenting the vision and goals of this ongoing study.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr Yiota (Panagiota) Nakou is a Lecturer in Medical Ethics and Law at the University of Nicosia Medical School and holds a PhD in Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence from the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on ethical and legal challenges in reproductive technologies and genomic medicine, with a particular interest in prenatal and newborn screening methods. Since 2018, Dr Nakou has been collaborating on teaching and research in Bioethics and Medical Law with the Law Department and the School of Health Sciences at the University of Manchester. Additionally, she has a clinical background, having practiced as a dentist in Greece and the UK since 2009.