Clarifying the goals of nondirective genetic counseling.

Nondirective Counseling Effects of Short Training and Individual Characteristics of Clients

Genetic dilemmas and the child's right to an open future.

Although deeply committed to the model of nondirective counseling, most genetic counselors enter the profession with certain assumptions about health and disability-for example, that it is preferable to be a hearing person than a deaf person. Thus, most genetic counselors are deeply troubled when parents with certain disabilities ask for assistance in having a child who shares their disability....

Genetic counseling and risk communication services of newborn screening programs.

OBJECTIVES Newborn screening test results labeled "positive" can have uncertain implications for parents, especially when false-positive results occur or when heterozygous infants are detected using molecular tests for sickle cell hemoglobinopathy or cystic fibrosis. This study surveyed communication services across state newborn screening programs. METHODS We surveyed newborn screening progr...

Chloe’s Law: A Powerful Legislative Movement Challenging a Core Ethical Norm of Genetic Testing

Since the early 1970s, the ethical norm governing counselors involved in testing and screening for genetic conditions related to reproduction has been strict neutrality. Counseling about reproductive genetics was to be patient centered but nondirective. Many advocates for people with Down syndrome believe that high abortion rates following a diagnosis of this condition show an unfounded bias ag...

Genetic counseling in primary care: longitudinal, psychosocial issues in genetic diagnosis and counseling.

Primary care clinicians have an essential role in genetic counseling.This role is distinct from the usual role of genetic counselors. First,primary care clinicans are often involved in the early stages of identifying who may benefit from genetic assessment, helping patients to decide when it is appropriate to pursue genetic information, and preparing them for consultation. Second, the styles of...