Test Shows Limits of Gene Counseling

Most parents of youngsters with cystic fibrosis have more children even though they realize each baby faces a 1-in-4 chance of inheriting the incurable fatal disorder. The finding is showing scientists how families handle genetic counseling, in which couples are warned about the health risks contained in their genes. The study, based on a screening program in Wisconsin, found that 70% of parents whose first child had cystic fibrosis eventually decided to have another child. The study found that the genetic counseling the couples had received gave them a good understanding of the risk, researchers reported in the July issue of Pediatrics.