Over the last half-century, our understanding of genetic disorders has increased spectacularly. When facts about inherited disorders first came to light, health professionals began to inform families about probable inheritance patterns and recurrence risks (the likelihood that offspring or other relatives might also inherit the disease).

A couple receives genetic counseling during their sixth month of pregnancy. Genetic counselors are specially trained to provide support to couples whose families have histories of genetic diseases, or who are pregnant and carrying an affected child.

The Need for Genetic Counseling

Receiving a diagnosis of a genetic disorder can have profound impact for both patients and their family members, and it quickly became clear that aside from the need for medical and genetic information, families affected by genetic disorders had educational, social, and psychological needs that required attention. And though families were afflicted with different disorders passed on by...