What´s Genetic Testing Necessary?

With the excess of defects that can be caught so early, the ability to determine a course of action sooner, and for the safety of the mother and fetus, genetic testing in the first trimester is a necessary tool to be utilized in family planning. The age old argument of making medical decisions based off of something so emotional is one that will not ever be eradicated. Dr. Gwen Latendresse (2015) says of her case study, “Although it is true that many genetic conditions cannot currently be cured, it certainly can be argued that screening for genetic conditions and diagnosing them can improve the outcomes for those affected” (p. 35). The earlier that anomalies are diagnosed, the better the chances are for early intervention. While a full cure
In some cases presented, stem cell replenishment can be provided. It is imperative to initiate stem cell transplant before development of the fetal immune system because the rejection of the graft is possible. Early genetic testing is critical because, after the first trimester of pregnancy, the therapy’s effectiveness will be limited by the extent to which the fetus is already impacted by the genetic condition before any intervention. Genetic Counselor Pat Himes (1999) states in her journal article “Issues regarding decisions about aggressive therapies, surgeries, and other life-prolonging measures will need to be addressed. Major invasive surgeries may not be appropriate options to offer in light of poor prognoses” (p.65). The options are vast with an early diagnosis but as time goes on the ability to diagnose and fix said issues are limited due to some fetuses becoming unviable, and the parent must choose between quality of life and death after birth. A critical time frame that is restricted from the 11th week until the 20th, this is an essential analysis of the emotional business of genetic testing. Determining a course of action for the pregnancy if an anomaly is found is crucial to the development of not only the mental health of the mother and partner but introducing what quality of life the fetus could or could not
The screening options available for diseases that previously have never had the opportunity to be fixed before birth, now are being eradicated as quickly as they are diagnosed. Armed with the knowledge provided by the healthcare provider and the ability to determine a course of action whether it be termination of the pregnancy for the safety of the mother and fetus is, or further testing to try and determine the cause, genetic testing is a necessary tool to be utilized in family planning. A number of lives have been spared not only because of the testing available but due to the early intervention available as a direct result of the testing provided, is in the hundreds of thousands. To say that early genetic testing is unnecessary is to say that a child does not deserve a chance and that a mother must face something she is unprepared to deal with. The number of pregnancies per woman is rising and the educational tools provided to expectant parents, genetic testing has reached a pinnacle in its performance in family