Genetic counseling is the process that determines the risk an individual has of passing on an inheritable disease to their baby. Genetic counseling involves a health care professional who interprets information about the disorder, identifies families at risk, reviews available options with the family and analyzes patterns of inheritance. Genetic counseling is of paramount importance to pregnant women. Although pregnancy is met with excitement, the pregnancy may take a different turn if the fetus is found to be afflicted with diseases such as Tay-Sachs disease. Tay-Sachs is genetic condition that is common among Jewish descent. Therefore, genetic testing is important as it identifies the likelihood of passing of particular genetic disorders or diseases (Bartels, 2011, p. 43).
There are a couple of reasons to seek genetic counseling. It is mostly considered if;
- One has a family or personal history of a genetic condition or birth defect
- If a woman is pregnant or has plans to be pregnant after 34
- If a woman has lost two or more pregnancies
- If the woman has had screening tests or ultrasound that suggest a possible problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 4% of babies born in America have birth defects. Subsequently, it is important for couples who have had abnormal results from routine prenatal testing. Genetic counseling is a relatively new concept in healthcare that helps persons to adapt and understand medical, familial and psychological implications of genetic contributions to certain diseases. Genetics requires expertise in medicine because it is complex and the results rely on accurate and reliable laboratory procedures. However, genetic tests are found to vary in sensitivity, their ability to detect all patients and in their ability to detect mutations. Interpreting test results is intricate for healthcare specialists and physicians; it requires profound knowledge in genetics (Gardner, 2012, p. 612).
There are a couple of genetic tests including; sickle-cell trait, Tay-Sachs and cystic fibrosis. These tests are important especially for couples who consider having children and those whose families have a history of recessive genetic disorders. Prenatal testing is arguably the most contentious type of diagnosis due to the issue on abortion. It is quite difficult to draw the line on abnormalities because it could result to numerous complications if not done in a particular way. There is also the Mass Population testing which is a large scale testing of a particular ethnic group. This test is done because this group shows a high rate of a particular genetic disorder. The mass population test was done on African Americans who were being tested for the blood disorder sickle cell anemia.
Genetic counselors identify the most appropriate genetic tests based on family history, client’s medical history and individual needs. Before testing expectant mothers, they review all appropriate testing options. They are not supposed to make any assumptions based on their findings; instead, they should put into consideration all implications of each option. Each patient has unique needs and it is the duty of the genetic counselor to clarify those needs after identifying them. It is their duty to explain the testing process, facilitate decision making, assess client understanding and ensure informed consent. Genetic screening has a huge potential for our society since it is capable of lengthening and improving human life. Genetic testing can eliminate unforeseen distress and suffering if used in an ethical manner. Political and legal issues in genetic testing state that, persons should be informed prior to testing. Governments have invested a lot in this field because genetics is the key to a healthy future.
References
Bartels, D. M., LeRoy, B., & Caplan, A. L. (2011). Genetic counseling: Ethical challenges and consequences. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.
Gardner, R. J. M., Sutherland, G. R., & Shaffer, L. G. (2012). Chromosome abnormalities and genetic counseling. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
