In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been in the news a lot recently. The recent Alabama Supreme Court decision and subsequent legislation passed in response to the ruling have started to pull back the curtain on a common way for families to grow. In the past, IVF has been perceived as an option reserved for a few people, but increasingly, more people have relied on this vital part of reproductive health care. However, patients, and even providers, often have misconceptions, which limit opportunities and harm many families that could benefit from this process. Now more than ever, it is crucial to expand the thinking behind who should have an opportunity to seek IVF care beyond infertility. Here are a few examples of who can benefit from a conversation about IVF.

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There are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting over 30 million Americans according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Many rare conditions and disorders are caused by changes in our genetic information and some of these genetic changes silently run through healthy families. People who are pregnant or considering pregnancy may explore genetic carrier screening to identify these silent genetic changes so they can make informed family planning decisions. Carrier screening is routinely offered, but many people aren’t aware of it and have questions. If you are considering carrier screening or are just curious about your options, here are some things to know and consider.

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Genevie’s children have Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a heart signaling disorder that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats or arrhythmias, which was only discovered through genetic testing. Her youngest daughter had more severe symptoms of LQTS, and went through an extensive testing panel - which is how her husband learned he had LQTS Type 5.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health is playing an increasingly central role within health care. Genetic testing options and the results people may receive can leave people confused and concerned, and genetic counselors play an important part in not only providing insights on genetics but also advising patients on the mental and emotional aspects of testing and what they can do as far as next steps.

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Prenatal genetic screening, specifically non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is an important step to check for potential complications during a pregnancy. Recent national news coverage has drawn greater attention to this issue, including a series of articles featured in The New York Times. While the focus this news coverage has drawn to this critical issue is valuable, some essential details are inaccurately represented. As a licensed and certified genetic counselor, I want to lay out the facts so patients have the clearest and most accurate picture of what they need to know about prenatal screening.

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The recent news regarding Chris Evert’s ovarian cancer diagnosis was shocking for the many fans of her career as an elite-level athlete. Genetic testing led to the detection of this cancer, and Evert’s bravery in sharing her story offers a platform to create awareness for other families to explore the importance of examining their own family history of cancer.

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The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) estimated last year that around 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes. And since November is a time when we often get together with relatives, some of you may be wondering, “How worried should I be about Diabetes based on my family history?” This episode will help to answer some of those questions.

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There are many pink ribbon displays and charity walks each year to support the many people diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year leads to more scientific advances and discoveries about how cancer develops and breakthroughs that may lead to more effective treatments. Genes have become an important predictor for how cancer may behave as well as for determining if family members may be at risk to develop cancer too.

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As a licensed and certified genetic counselor who works with consumers of genetic DNA tests from companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, I often field medical and health questions about Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the companies behind consumer DNA tests provide health risk information on certain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. One of the more common questions I receive is, “Now that I know I have a higher Alzheimer’s risk, what should I do?”

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 The COVID-19 pandemic, racial uprisings, and the resulting economic recession have impacted many people’s mental health. One study suggests that ~4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from ~1 in 10 adults before the pandemic.

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