Genetic counseling refers to advice concerning the probabilities that a couple's children will show genetic abnormalities.
It is a a service designed to inform prospective parents about genetic diseases and to help them determine the likelihood that they would transmit such disorders to their children. Recent discoveries make it possible to identify the genes responsible for certain forms of disease and genetic anomalies. Couples who have reason to believe that they may carry genes for one of these disorders can be tested and advised about the probability of having children who may be afflicted.