I’ve got a new post up at 23andMe about the ethics of having kids genetically tested. From the post:

On the one hand, genotyping isn’t treatment, and it’s not diagnosis. And the conditions that genetic testing can indicate risk factors for seem to be mostly adult-onset. Since my children don’t NEED to be genotyped right now, is it really up to me to make the decision for them?

On the other hand, genetic testing could be compared to any other health decision. Do I let my kids decide whether they want to take a needed medication, get a yearly checkup, or have their cavities filled? No. If their doctor suggested they needed to have their blood tested, an ultrasound, or an X-ray, would I let them make the final decision? Nope. Two months ago, when my son Isaac split his forehead open on the granite counter and assured me that he reallyreallyreally didn’t need stitches, that inch-long, half-inch-deep gash would heal just fine with a bandaid…did I go along? Nope, and nope. I’m responsible for my kids’ healthcare, and they aren’t mature enough to really understand the consequences of not following through on testing or treatment.

This is feeling particularly relevant because my husband received his 23andMe results today, and found out that he is a carrier of the H63D mutation. So am I. That means that each of our five kids has a one-in-four chance of carrying two copies of the mutation, which puts them at risk for hemochromatosis, a potentially fatal–but very treatable–disease.

Head over to read the rest, and don’t forget about the 23andMe Pregnancy Community, where you can participate in research, take fun surveys and join a network of other moms interested in pregnancy and genetics. (It’s free!)