Understanding the Necessity of Genetic Testing for Cystic Fibrosis

According to the Cystic Foundation Patient Registry, in the United States more than 30,000 people are living with cystic fibrosis and more than 70,000 worldwide. In order to inherit the cystic fibrosis gene both parents must have at least one copy. People with only one copy of the defective cystic fibrosis gene are called carriers. Genes are coded DNA instructions that control the production of proteins within the cell (Miller and Levine 300). When two cystic fibrosis carriers have a child that child has a 25 percent chance of having cystic fibrosis, a 50 percent chance that the child will be a carrier and not be a cystic fibrosis carrier, and a 25 percent percent chance that the child will not be a carrier and not have cystic fibrosis (“CF Foundation”).
Genetic testing uses laboratory methods to look at genes, which are the DNA instructions that a person inherits from his or her parents. Genetic tests may be used to identify increased risks of health problems, to choose treatments, or assess responses to treatments (“FAQ About Genetic Testing”). Therefore, genetic testing for cystic fibrosis should be mandatory. Genetic testing has a generally low risk of negatively impacting a person’s physical

Evidently if genetic testing was made mandatory then the person that was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis would be able to start treating the symptoms of cystic fibrosis and make life more enjoyable. So, in conclusion genetic testing should be mandatory for everyone. Because it makes the insurance companies pay for the testing, it gives the person being tested options on how to go about treating cystic fibrosis, and it informs the family of the person being tested that they might have the genetic marker for cystic fibrosis. Genetic testing should be mandatory. Because if it was mandatory then the 70,000 people worldwide that were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis would probably have more treatment plans in the