Is Australia ready for genetic screening to be a part of every pregnancy?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-04-08 13:00

Australia; VIC; SA

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Genetic testing for three genetic conditions, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome, has recently become available to Australians who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, but Australian experts are asking if the system is ready to cope with such widespread genetic testing. They say government bodies and policymakers need to prioritise the upskilling and education of non-genetics professionals, such as GPs and obstetricians, while  allocating resources to the already over-stretched clinical and laboratory genetics services. They point out that there is currently no funding model to include community-based genetic counsellors in this screening. An accompanying case study highlights what can go wrong and the safety concerns in the current mainstreaming of genomic medicine.