Pros And Cons Of Genetic Counseling

Here is a real life story of a woman who has been greatly affected by genetic testing and has seen both the good and the bad of genetic testing. This is a story that was posted in an article called “6 Moms Share Their Real Prenatal Testing Stories” on the website “What to Expect” from Courtney from Lake Stevens, Washington about how genetic testing has affected her life. So for Courtney, a few weeks after her 13 week ultrasound and her quad screen her doctors told her she had a positive screen for Down syndrome. So at 17 weeks she had to go back in for another ultrasound and genetic counseling which according to kids health.org is counseling that allows a genetic counselor to evaluate the results of a genetic test with the parents and helps the parents understand and reach decisions on what to do next. Her ultrasound looked great but still had a positive screen for Down syndrome. So she was was recommended for either an amnio or verifi test. Courtney then went to genetic counseling and choose to have the verifi test done over the amnio. A week later her results came back negative for Down syndrome and confirmed the baby was a girl. Courtney said “I am glad we opted to get the verifi test done especially after the stress of getting a positive screening before. I like how that if the NIPT did turn out positive for Down syndrome, I could have prepared ahead of time for the care of a special needs child would require, rather than feeling completely caught off-guard at birth.”

As an adolescent, my enthusiasm for biology, knowledge, and assisting others attracted me to the medical field. The salary or glory does not appeal to me, since physicians must also commit to a grueling education, long work hours, and tremendous responsibilities. However, they bring optimism and joy to despairing patients. Doctors encounter mental challenges while diagnosing a patient, and immense satisfaction devising a solution. I intend to become a clinical geneticist, as I am inquisitive about genetics, particularly genetically inherited diseases. A

Shadowing Dr Anderson allowed me to encounter the day to day problems faced by a physician. I've learned about genetic disorders and their symptoms, but I got to see how diagnosis is rarely that clear cut. Most of the patients presented with developmental delay, a symptom common to many genetic disorder. Variable expressivity and penetrance further complicates differential diagnosis. Genetic testing is required for confirmation, yet almost never covered by insurance. Out of pocket costs can be too expensive for many families to afford. Without a confirmed diagnosis, it's difficult for families to get the needed support from insurance and the government. Dr Anderson tried to avoid going through insurance by enrolling her patients in clinical

A lot of controversial issues present themselves in psychology. Two topics that I will be discussing in this essay are the controversy over genetic testing and what things would be like without genetic testing. I will be describing what genetic testing is, and how it can affect an individual’s family life. I will be discussing the benefits of genetic counseling, as well as the positives without genetic counseling, and how this issue is debated in a psychological view.

Modern medicine now relies more and more on genetic science, so the demand for health care professionals who can assess and communicate these health issues is significantly increasing. This is because public awareness is growing in conjunction with scientific advances in reproductive technologies. Health care consumers now want genetics specialists who can provide highly accurate and advanced consultations regarding their unique genetic conditions. Most genetic counselors work with couples or single mothers who

The goal of the document is to persuade couples who are interested in prenatal genetic counseling to take the next step, and make an appointment with a certified genetic counselor.

Genetic counseling is the job path I want to take when I am older. This profession has a tough price to pay, especially when talking to patients, because sometimes the truth is hard to hear. This challenge is a daily task for genetic counselors, but the job also has great pay, credibility, and work conditions. If I were to go into this field, it will not only be suitable, it will be enjoyable. Becoming a genetic counselor requires a lot of prep in college and tertiary levels of education, but this career is worthy because of the credibility and enjoyment of the field.

Only 2 genetic counselors had their employer’s specific genetic counseling website links as part of their contact information. The Children Hospital’s Colorado’s website mentions the services provided by a genetic counselor if a genetic mutation is found for hereditary cancer (Hereditary Cancer, 2016). However, I could not find genetic counseling for other types of conditions and diseases. Overall, the genetics information on this website is scarce. In contrast, Parker Adventist Hospital has much more information about genetic counseling on its website, especially for hereditary cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular conditions and diseases (Genetic Counseling, 2016). Both websites are very informative about genetic counseling – presenting current detailed material in an organized format without appearing to be pushy or aggressive toward the reader about this

Eugenics, developed by an eminent scientist, Francis Galton, is the science of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population by controlling breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristic traits and decrease the occurrence of undesirable characteristic traits or genetical defects (Bergman, 2000.) Eugenic sterilization refers to the involuntary sterilization of certain categories of individuals without their need for consent by those subjected to the procedure (Pozgar, 2012, Pg. 411.) Individuals classified as mentally deficient, feeble-minded, epileptic, promiscuous, sexual deviants, or persons classified as habitual criminals were mainly targeted (Pozgar, 2012, Pg. 411.) Eugenicists argued degenerate traits tainted society through the reproduction of the lowest class and sterilization was to keep the "handicapped" from perpetuating themselves (Kaelber, 2014.) In addition, eugenicists also argued that "feeble-minded" individuals were believed to be financial burdens to society by overcrowding prisons, hospitals and living off welfare (Kaelber, 2014.) Sterilization was seen as a way to prevent the spending of tax dollars on the "feeble- minded" (Kaelber, 2014.) These arguments allowed Eugenics to become an acceptable practice. Advocates believed that getting rid of the "feeble-minded" and mentally deficient would decrease the undesirable characteristic traits within the human gene pool and ultimately improve the human population.

With this special bonding, if an individual was tested positive for BRCA1/2 mutation, it will be a great indicator that someone in the family also carries the mutated gene. There is a moral argument for whether it is obligated to share the genetic information with relatives who may potentially be at risk; however, this decision can violate patient autonomy and confidentiality. Studies have shown that most mutation carriers do not share this information with his/her family member, because it can cause tension in the relationship. In addition, if the mutation carrier decided to receive therapeutic treatment such as BRMx or BROx, the decision that the carrier made can further introduce suspicions and questions from the

Hearing about what a genetic counselor is and does really took my interest because I had not heard of one before nor did I know what one did. A women named Chelsey talked to us about her job as a genetic counselor, which is someone who helps families evaluate and understand if their child has inherited a medical condition and how to deal with it. Chelsey had gotten the career idea from a previous professor and then went to a college in Boston to complete the qualifications and a year later passed her certification exam to become a genetic counselor. Where now she works in Albany med in pediatric and adult counseling, here she helps organize testing, medical/family histories for those with different defects and developmental delays. While she was presenting she explained 3

New technological advances and scientific methods continue to change the course of nature. One of the current controversial advances in science and technology is the use of genetically modified embryos in which the study exceeds stem cell research. Scientists have begun planning for research involving human embryos in the genetic modification field. Many technological developments are responsible for improving our living standards and even saving lives, but often such accomplishments have troubling cultural and moral ramifications (Reagan, 2015). We are already beyond the days in which virtually the only procreative option was for a man and a woman to conceive the old-fashioned way (Reagan, 2015). Genetic modification of human embryos can be perceived as a positive evolution in the medical process yet it is surrounded by controversy due to ethical processes. Because this form of genetic modification could affect later born children and their offspring, the protection of human subjects should be a priority in decisions about whether to proceed with such research (Dresser, 2004). The term Human Genetic Engineering was originally made public in 1970. During this time there were several methods biologists began to devise in order to better identify or isolate clone genes for manipulation in several species or mutating them in humans.

What are the pros/cons genetic screening and genetic selection? Where do you stand in this issue?

Genetic disorders are diseases that are caused by mutations in the genes of a human being. Around 120-160 thousand babies every year are born with genetic diseases which are also the cause of more than 20% of infant deaths.(Matthews) At one time, there was no possible cure for genetic disorders, but recent advances in biotechnology have opened many pathways to different methods of treatment. However, most of these treatment options are oppressed by various moral and ethical issues. One of the major aforementioned treatments is the creation of savior siblings. A savior sibling is a child conceived for the purpose of curing an older sibling that is suffering from an inherited genetic disorder. This is possible through the use of in-vitro fertilization

Every living thing is the product of the genes that were passed down from ancestors. Genes make up everything we are. One gets their traits from their parents. Most people live full lives with relatively good health. However, some people inherit mutated genes or faulty genes. This could lead to genetic disorders that could be life threatening. Even today, many genetic disorders still remain incurable, leaving many people without hope. Genetic therapy could be their answer. It is through this research that the cure for genetic disorders can be found. Though some people believe it is unethical or immoral to alter genes, current therapeutics have not been able to save the lives of the patients with these diseases. Genetic therapy