Genetic counselling, patient education, and informed decision-making in the genomic era

Abstract

Genomic technologies are now being applied to reproductive genetic screening. Circulating cell-free DNA testing in pregnancy for fetal chromosomal abnormalities is becoming more widely used as a screening test, and expanded carrier screening for autosomal and X-linked recessive conditions for more than a hundred conditions is available to couples for testing before and during pregnancy. These are most typically available as a commercial test. The purpose of reproductive genetic screening is to facilitate autonomous reproductive choices. Previous studies would suggest that many women do not make informed decisions about prenatal genetic screening, and the introduction of genomic technologies has generally added to the ethical debate. Appropriate pre-test genetic counselling is recommended, and healthcare providers should include information that is balanced, accurate and up-to-date, comprising written and/or e-learning tools, as well as providing psychosocial support so that couples consider the pros and cons of being tested and can make informed decisions.

Keywords: Cell-free DNA; Genetic counselling; Informed decision-making; Non-invasive prenatal testing; Prenatal testing; Reproductive genetic screening.