Question

1. "Instead of having your newborn tested for 4-50 disorders, would you consider having your newborn's genome sequenced to reveal all mutations that are present?"
2. "What if sequencing showed that your child carried a new mutation for a fatal adult-onset disorder? Would you tell your child this information? Why or why not?"

Answer 1

1. Genome sequence helps in identifying the order of bases that constituted the DNA of an organism.  

I would like to have my newborn's genome sequenced to reveal all mutations that are present. The genome remains same throughout an individual's life and thus a single test will help diagnose different diseases.The genome sequencing test is also very acchrate. The genome sequencing technique provide information about the genetic variants that will help identify the disease or future risk of the disease in the newborn. This will lead in early interventions and save the newborn from many life threatening and disabilitating diseases.

2. If my child suffers from a mutation that would cause adult onset disease I would definitely tell him about it once he is mature enough to understand about the disease. Having the information about the genetic mutation and it's ability to cause disease will help him better manage the condition and seek early interventions. It will also help in adapting of behaviours and practices that will promote health and wellbeing and minimize risks of getting the disease.