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JScreen: Jewish Genetic Screening
Get Tested For Healthy Future Generations!
What is JScreen?
A national, non-profit public health initiative headquartered at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics making comprehensive testing for genetic diseases simple, affordable, and convenient. Testing is essential for individuals and couples who are planning to start or expand their family so they can learn about genetic risks related to their children’s health. If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, genetic counselors privately address their results, options and resources to help them have a healthy baby.
Why get tested?
Knowledge saves lives! The only ways to know one’s carrier status are to get tested or to have an affected child. JScreen’s test uses cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology to identify risks associated with more than 200 diseases. At least 80 percent of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known family history of that disease. Getting tested provides a lot of information that will be useful in planning for your future children.
How to get tested?
- Request your kit at JScreen.org
- Spit into the Test Tube
- Send it back to the lab in a pre-paid envelope
- Get your results form a Licensed Genetic Counselor
Debunking the Myths:
There is no point in testing now if I was already tested. FALSE! The world of genetics is constantly evolving and more serious disease have been added to the testing panel. Anyone thinking about having a family in the future should have access to the most up-to-date testing available.
Testing is only for Ashkenazim. FALSE! There are diseases that are common in all backgrounds, including Sephardi and Mizrahi. Regardless of your ethnicity, genetic testing is pertinent to you.
The only option for potential “high risk” couples is ending their relationship. FALSE! Your genetic results do not need to be the deciding factor when it comes to your compatibility. By learning your risk to have an affected child, a genetic counselor can help you plan ahead for healthy children with sensitivity to halachic guidelines.
More Information
If you have any questions about any of this information or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us.
Website:
www.JScreen.org
Email:
info@JScreen.org
Phone: 404-778-8640