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Definition

Genetic counseling aims to facilitate the exchange of information regarding a person's genetic legacy. It attempts to:

• accurately diagnose a disorder
• assess the risk of recurrence in the concerned family members and their relatives
• provide alternatives for decision-making
• provide support groups that will help family members cope with the recurrence of a disorder

Purpose

Genetic counselors work with people concerned about the risk of an inherited disease. The counselor does not prevent the incidence of a disease in a family, but can help family members assess the risk for certain hereditary diseases and offer guidance. Many couples seek genetic counseling because there is a family history of known genetic disorders, infertility,