Genetic counseling is an educational service that aims to help people become informed and responsible consumers of genetic tests and to cope with the results. With nondirectiveness as a basic rule and autonomous decision making its goal, genetic counseling exemplifies a shift of the professional-client relationship from doctor knows best to patient decides best.

There is a widespread consensus in advanced scientific and technological societies that in order to guarantee a client's informed choice any genetic test, whether prenatal (by amniocentesis or chorion villus sampling) or adult (for example, for hereditary breast cancer), should be prepared for and followed by genetic counseling. Prior to testing, counselors determine a risk profile by examining a client's medical history and family tree for potential genetic risks. The risk profile determines an array of test options with their risks, potential results, and possible actions, all of which are discussed with...