Genetic Counseling

GENETIC COUNSELLING

I think it is still possible to provide genetic counseling as a Christian because such religious background gives prime importance to life and that is also what genetic counseling provides . Christians believe that life is a gift from God and that no one else may control the life of a person by either extending or limiting one 's life expectancy . Similarly , genetic counseling provides guidance and suggestions with regards to genetic diss that may be associated in at least one member of a family . However , we should also understand

that genetic counseling concentrates on presenting a couple or a family with the most beneficial treatment of a genetic medical dis , and will secondarily consider the religious background of the family . A genetic counselor would suggest a termination of pregnancy if there is a very huge chance that the fetus will not survive during the pregnancy (Reis et al , 2007 . A termination of pregnancy may also possibly be recommended if the mother 's life is at stake or will be deleteriously affected during the course of the pregnancy . Such reasons behind the suggestion for a termination of pregnancy also reflect that genetic counseling aims to preserve life , yet in a scientific point of view . A Christian would perceive such presence of a medical genetic dis in a developing fetus as a simple choice between life and death , and usually a Christian will choose to proceed with the completion of the pregnancy amidst the risk of losing the mother due to pregnancy complications . From my point of view , it is best to fully understand the implications of a pregnancy in terms of the medical and genetic points of view , as well as keep the Christian teachings also in mind But we should also remember that the medical field aims to saves lives hence a suggestion of a termination of pregnancy originated from a strong criteria or bases for coming up with such a decision

Reference

Reis LM , Baumiller R , Scrivener W , Yager G , Warren NS (2007 : Spiritual assessment in genetic counseling . J . Genet . Couns . 16 (1 :41-52...