Genetic Counseling: How To Make An Informed Decision If Your Baby May Be Born With A Life Threatening Illness

·59 min·3 clips

Today we're discussing DNA, genetic counseling, and the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing technology.

Kira Deneen, a certified genetic counselor with a master's degree in human genetics, joins Don to demystify DNA, genetic testing, and counseling. Using sickle cell anemia as a detailed case study, she explains carrier screening, the role of amniocentesis, and how CRISPR gene editing works. Central theme: genetic counseling is about educating patients to make informed decisions aligned with their values, not about telling them what to do. She addresses common misconceptions (junk DNA, test accuracy) and discusses the future of genetic science.

As heard by us

A clear, humane look at testing when the answer is not the whole decision.

Genetic counseling sits at the center of this conversation, and the episode treats prenatal testing as more than a set of results. Kira Deneen lays out the core tension well: some parents want an answer, while others decide that they do not need it enough to accept an invasive…

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Before a genetic test becomes a big decision, this walks through the tradeoffs.

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