Genetic impediments to marriage

Incidence:

A group of Orthodox Jews in New York and Israel are using genetic screening for young people. Schoolchildren have a blood test to see if they carry genes for any of three recessive diseases, Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis and Gaucher's disease. The results are stored as codes and if a boy and girl want to date they are encouraged to call the central office with their identification numbers. The goal is to discourage people from dating or marrying who are at risk of passing on inherited disorders. They are then told if their is a risk of having children with the diseases and may be offered genetic counselling. Prenatal testing is not generally unacceptable to Jews.

Broader Problems:

Impediments to marriage

Narrower Problems:

Hereditary diseases

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Genetic impediments to marriage

About the Encyclopedia

About UIA