| For every parent who has suffered the anxiety of | | | | entirely for genetic disorders (spina bifida and Downs |
| wondering if their unborn child would be healthy, | | | | syndrome being two that are NOT inherited gene |
| there are comparatively few who come face to face | | | | disorders) the facts still remain that screening during |
| with the agonizing discovery that their unborn or | | | | pregnancy has its pros and cons. |
| newborn child will struggle or die because of a genetic | | | | While genetic screening may prepare a family for the |
| disorder. | | | | risk of disease and provide time for genetic |
| What is a genetic disorder and what part does | | | | counseling for the parents, usually there is nothing |
| genetic screening play in helping families to deal with | | | | that can be done for the baby during the pregnancy. |
| the risk or reality in their children? | | | | The fact that most tests cannot guarantee the |
| Recessive genetic disorders are when both parents | | | | health of the child and that false positive tests may |
| carry a diseased gene but do not suffer from the | | | | lead to undue anxiety and possibly to the termination |
| disease themselves. They are called 'carriers'. Their | | | | of a healthy pregnancy are also dangers that must |
| children must inherit the diseased gene from BOTH | | | | be acknowledged. Some tests, such as the |
| parents to develop the disorder. | | | | amniocentesis, also carry a risk themselves (although |
| If the child inherits only one gene they will also | | | | a small one). Parents should discuss this with their |
| become carriers, but not suffer from the disease. It | | | | health care provider. |
| is also possible that they will not inherit the gene at | | | | More recently it is the possibility that genetic testing |
| all. In each case, the likelihood of having a child | | | | may lead to more advanced measures of choosing |
| develop the disorder goes up with each pregnancy. It | | | | the 'right' baby that has caused a stir. Each parent |
| is simply a matter of chance. | | | | must weigh the risks and benefits of these tests. |
| Genetic Screening of Parents | | | | Genetic Screening of Newborns |
| Screening a couple BEFORE pregnancy can identify | | | | Genetic screening of newborns has become standard |
| the risks for potential recessive disease where both | | | | practice in countries like the US and Canada. |
| parents carry the same recessive gene. Once a gene | | | | By taking a small sample of blood from a pin prick in |
| (such as Tay-Sachs) is found in both individuals, the | | | | the newborn's heel, the sample is then analyzed for |
| couple can be informed on the risks of passing the | | | | genetic disorders. Some of these disorders, when |
| gene on and the likelihood of their children developing | | | | caught early on can be treated (such as sickle cell |
| the disorder. | | | | anemia) and some even eliminated. This precaution |
| Having this knowledge not only prepares couples for | | | | has saved many children a lifetime of suffering from |
| the possible outcome in a pregnancy but also permits | | | | a debilitating disease. |
| them to decide whether getting pregnant is worth | | | | The advancement of science continues to amaze and |
| the risk. | | | | alarm us with what is possible. While many individuals |
| Genetic Screening During Pregnancy | | | | will benefit from the assistance of screening the |
| Genetic screening during pregnancy is subject to the | | | | controversy regarding how far science should intrude |
| most controversy. While the testing is not done | | | | is sure to continue. |