Genetic conditions: The 5 key myths and facts

3. Myth
We already have two healthy children so there is no way we can be carriers and don't need to bother getting screened.

Fact
For carrier couples, with each pregnancy there is a one-in-four chance of their child being born with a genetic disorder. As such, it is not uncommon for these couples to have one or more healthy children before having an affected child.

4. Myth
I have had Tay-Sachs screening and I am not a carrier so I don't need to be screened again.

Fact
Whether you are a Tay-Sachs carrier or not has no bearing on your risk for being a carrier for the other Jewish genetic disorders. Screening for these disorders will identify if you are at risk for these other conditions that disproportionately affect Jewish people.

5. Myth
My sibling was screened and she was not a carrier. There is no need for me to be screened.

Fact
Even if your sibling screens negative, there is still a chance you may be a carrier for a genetic disorder. We only share 50 per cent of our genes with our siblings.