Transforming Family Planning with Genetic Testing
A new genetic test is changing the way a generation of moms approach family planning.
Sarah Elizabeth Orlando, 33, knew she would take a different approach to starting a family. She carried the gene for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of inherited intellectual disability, which was confirmed by an in-utero amniocentesis before she was born.
"I knew I didn’t want that for myself or my children,"
says Orlando, who has seen the challenges! of caring for someone with special needs. She opted for in-vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which allows embryos to be tested for genetic disorders. After one round of IVF, she had 10 embryos, three of which did not carry the genetic mutation.
This approach is remaking family planning, offering women like Orlando a new level of control and understanding.
Author's summary: Genetic testing transforms family planning for moms.
- In-vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) allows embryos to be tested for genetic disorders.
- Women can now make informed decisions about their reproductive health and the health of their children.