Earl (age 28) and Velma (age 27) are currently planning for…
Earl (age 28) and Velma (age 27) are currently planning for their future family and decide to obtain genetic testing before having children. Earl knows that Cystic Fibrosis runs in his family, and has concerns about having a child with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease, which means that a person can carry the genetic trait, but not have the disease. If both parents carry the trait, then there is a 1 in 4 chance that the child will have the disease. Earl does not have Cystic Fibrosis, but he wonders if he may be a carrier for the genetic trait. Velma was adopted, so she does not know her family’s genetic history. Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that causes damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. There is no cure, but there are treatments to manage the disease. People who are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) may take medications, and often have shorter lifespans. Part A) Explain what information Earl and Velma should know about carrier testing for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Be sure to address: What key information should they know about carrier testing? Explain the potential benefits; risks; and limitations of carrier testing. Part B) Imagine Earl and Velma find out with certainty that they are both carriers for CF. Now Earl and Velma must make a decision what to do with this information. First, explain how the information from the carrier testing for CF is actionable. Second, take on either the role of either Velma or Earl to explain what the best course of action is here. Velma thinks that using technologies such as IVF and preimplantation genetic diagnosis to sort through embryos and select an embryo without the CF mutation is the optimal decision. Earl thinks they should conceive children naturally, and believes that they can plan accordingly. Earl believes that using IVF and discarding embryos is reflective of eugenics and unethical. Support your answer with course materials, principles, and concepts from the readings.