TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Principles of Genetic Counseling A1 - Hogge, W. Allen A1 - Rajkovic, Aleksandar PY - 2015 T2 - Practical Genetics for the Ob-Gyn AB - Although there have been many attempts to define what it means to provide genetic counseling, the provision of genetic counseling is a process that needs to vary depending on the specific clinical circumstances. In the case of a patient seeking genetic counseling because of a cousin with cystic fibrosis, the components of the session likely will include a discussion of the natural history of cystic fibrosis, an explanation of autosomal recessive inheritance, the risk the patient and her partner are carriers of the gene, and finally a summary of available testing to determine their exact carrier status. Prior to providing them in depth information, a complete medical, family, and social history would be obtained to determine if there are other factors that could impact a future pregnancy.1 Counseling in this circumstance should be nondirective; that is, the counselor provides the information necessary for the individual or couple to make informed decisions. This type of counseling is important, especially in a circumstance where both members of the couple are subsequently found to be carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene. The reproductive options available to them should be explained to them fully, and without bias. These options will range from not having children to preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The role of the counselor (whether that is a trained genetics professional or a general obstetrician-gynecologist) is to provide an explanation of each option, including the risks and benefits of each approach. There is no place for the provision of “recommendation.” SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/11/07 UR - obgyn.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1115992932 ER -