To the Editor: Two recent publications have described programs of carrier testing for cystic fibrosis (CF) gene mutations.1,2 The authors conclude that CF carrier testing of women in early pregnancy and their partners, as well as couples contemplating pregnancy, can successfully identify those who are at risk of having a child with CF and provide them with reproductive choices. The authors use these proof-of-concept studies, in the absence of Australian economic data, to call for all couples to be offered CF carrier testing that is supported by government funding.
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- 1 Office of Population Health Genomics, WA Health, Perth, WA.
- 2 Genetic Services of Western Australia, WA Health, Perth, WA.
- 1. Christie LM, Ingret AJ, Turner GM, et al. Outcomes of a cystic fibrosis carrier testing clinic for couples. Med J Aust 2009; 191: 499-501. <MJA full text>
- 2. Massie J, Petrou V, Forbes R, et al. Population-based carrier screening for cystic fibrosis in Victoria: the first three years experience. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2009; 49: 484-489.
- 3. Grosse SD, Rogowski WH, Ross LF, et al. Population screening for genetic disorders in the 21st century: evidence, economics, and ethics. Public Health Genomics 2010; 13: 106-115.
- 4. De Wert GMWR, Dondorp WJ. Prenatal medicine: ethical issues. In: van Vugt MG, Shulman LP, editors. Prenatal medicine. New York: Taylor and Francis Group, 2006: 575-604.