Prenatal Behavior and Development - Essay Example

Genetic Counseling Genetic Counseling Genetic counseling is an interesting albeit controversial field. Professionals with knowledge of genetic testing can assist in the diagnosis of genetic conditions. The professionals also make evaluations when it is possible to predict the individual’s chances of suffering from a genetic condition. An individual can also know the probability of having a child with a certain genetic condition. Clinical geneticists can offer advice on the management and treatment options of genetic conditions.

Moreover, they can predict the recurrent risks of future pregnancies (CDC, 2012). The career prospects of a genetic counselor are covered on the human genome project website. They can work as consultants in a clinical setting and specialize in prenatal, cancer risk, pediatric, hematology, cardiovascular, adult and cardiovascular health. At a commercial scale, genetic counselors can oversee the administration, design and sale of genetic tests. Genetic counselors can also run diagnostic laboratories for patients sent for genetic tests.

They can also engage in education and policy making for institutions and agencies. Genetic counselors can also engage in research projects on genetics (Carey, 2012).Heald et al. (2012) explain the significance of genetic counseling in the detection and management of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. According to the researchers, there is need to identify the patients suffering from these syndromes in order to avail genetic counseling to the individuals as well as their families. Familial adenomatous polyposis results from the mutation of the APC gene.

APC mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Approximately 25% of cases of familial adenomatous polyposis are due to a de novo mutation in APC (Heald et al., 2012).An elaborate assessment entails gathering family history information that spans three generations. This covers ages, ethnic background, and the reasons that contribute to the death of relations. Any cancer diagnosis should be recorded as well as the age at emergence and the history of the polyps. Genetic counseling requires the gathering of detailed medical history.

Initially, formal risk assessment is conducted. If a hereditary cancer syndrome is suspected, a positive genetic test will confirm such a diagnosis. Education about any cancer syndrome is conducted and genetic testing may be offered upon consent. This will also enable the performance of predictive testing for the individual’s relatives. However, the genetic tests are not absolute and a negative test does not indicate an absence of the syndrome. Any psychosocial concerns will be addressed by the doctor.

After testing the individuals and family members, a risk reducing therapeutic intervention will be administered. Genetic testing seeks to give the individuals a diagnosis. Most important it allows for focused management, risk stratification and surveillance. Genetic Counseling allows patients to understand their risk for cancer as well as the benefits accrued from genetic testing. The information from genetic testing is confidential and patients privacy is protected as enshrined in the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act.

In a Medlineplus article, genetic counseling is cited a support service for persons susceptible to genetic disorders. Genetic counseling is recommended for the following reasons. First, if an individual is concerned about a familial genetic disorder. Secondly, it is recommended for expectant mothers aged 35 and above. Third, it is recommended for individuals with a child suffering from a genetic condition. Fourth, mothers who have had a miscarriage should seek genetic testing. Lastly, genetic testing is recommended for mothers who have noted a discrepancy in a screening test or ultrasound (NIH, 2012).

Some serious ethical concerns emerge in the practice of genetic counseling. During prenatal screening, a serious disorder may be detected in the fetus, and abortion may be an option for a family that does not want to raise a child who is severely handicapped. Genetic counseling also creates a loophole for cosmetic babies. Pre-natal testing enables parents to find out if a baby’s features are up to their expectations. Expectant mothers might contemplate an abortion if they discover that an unborn child has a genetic condition (chapter 3).

Would such a mother be justified in the event she seeks an abortion? Does an unborn child with a genetic condition have the right to life?ReferencesCarey, M. (2012). Genetic Counseling. Retrieved from http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genecounseling.shtmlCDC. (2012). Genetic counseling. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pediatricgenetics/genetic_counseling.htmlDNA Divas.(2010). Genetic counseling awareness week. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjmVPD0gZWk&feature=relatedHeald, B.

, Church, J., Plesec, T. & Burke, C.A. (2012). Detecting and managing hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes in your practice. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 79(11), 787-797.NIH. (2012). Genetic Counseling. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/geneticcounseling.html