Final answer:
Newborns are screened for genetic diseases that are treatable or preventable, and genetic counselors can assist parents in understanding their risks. State-mandated tests in the U.S. screen newborns for a variety of genetic conditions, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act provides privacy and discrimination protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Newborns are generally screened for genetic diseases that are treatable or preventable. These screenings are important for early intervention and management of conditions that may affect a child's long-term health and development. Genetic disorders can be inherited, and it is possible for seemingly healthy individuals to be carriers of disease-causing genes without showing symptoms, which is why newborn screening is crucial.
Genetic counselors play a vital role in helping potential parents understand their risks and the genetic health of their offspring. They can provide guidance on prenatal testing methods like amniocentesis, which examines fetal chromosomes for abnormalities. For couples at higher risk due to family history or age, speaking with a genetic counselor is recommended to assess the likelihood of genetic or chromosomal disorders affecting their child.
In the U.S., state-mandated tests screen for a range of genetic conditions in newborns. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 ensures privacy and protection against discrimination based on genetic information, which includes data obtained from these newborn screenings.