Genetic Counselling

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling will help individuals and families understand genetic factors in diseases, disabilities and birth defects. Genetic counseling empowers people to make informed decisions about their genetic risks or risks to their children.

The genetic counselling nurse will help individuals and families understand:

• The genetic condition in a family;
• How a condition is passed down in a family;
• The risks of inheriting the family condition;
• A family history of cancer;
• Problems having a baby;
• The risks to your baby; and
• Your options

Last reviewed: January 19, 2011