Genetic Testing: Would You Want to Know?

This was a very touching article and video. I would do the same thing that Kristen did, if I was to lose my mother to a disease. I think this testing is very important especially at this day and age. If I have a really bad disease that can cause retardation I would't have a child. Not because I couldn't handle it or financially handle it but what happens to my child when I die? Also I have seen children like that struggle in life battling the non-use of their brian or limbs and they don't have a chance in life to survive. As a parent that would KILL me to see them pass away so young. It doesn't have to be retardation that I would want to know I would want to know everything. If they have would have cancer later on in life maybe I wouldn't have a child because I know that all they would be doing is suffering and just sick. If I could keep someone from suffering that is all I would want in my adult years.

In the article Kristen gets tested so that she won't hurt her children or her future family because Huntington's disease is a very serious disease and it is just so hard to see family members with that type of illness. Kristen lived with her mom having that disease note that she didn't know that but she knew that something was wrong with her mom. As a daughter you are very close to your mom and to see her in so much pain that hurts you and you will do anything to stop the pain even if it means that you as a woman and daughter not have children. Kristen makes a point of what kind of spose would want a wife with a disease where you would need constant attention?

So in my opinion yes I would want to be tested so I would know if I am safe and so that my future family would be safe. Also if I would have to tell my spose if I so chose that you will need to take care of me for the rest of my life and yours. I couldn't do that. I am the type of person who likes to plan every single detail in life. I am planning my future house, job, dog, even typical supper ill have when I have as a family. But if I have the chance to see what types of harm I carry I would love to stop that to save the pain of my family and my self.

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-04-09/genetic-testing-huntingtons-disease/54475708/1