[Genetic counselling and human handicap].

Nowadays a responsible health policy cannot exist without a human genetics counselling service which is both scientifically founded and freely accessible to the whole population. Human genetics counselling is concerned with the application of knowledge of the causes of congenital developmental disturbances such as chromosomal aberrations, genetic defects and metabolic disorders to medical practice. However, the early diagnosis of a chromosomal aberration by means of amniocentesis directly intervenes in the life of a woman and the existence of the embryo, leading, in turn, to a decision-making process which is influenced by a variety of factors on the part of the woman and on the part of the physician. The counselling physician will be influenced by his own medical experience, his ethical views, and his knowledge of the social, physical, psychological and educational problems arising in the case of developmental disturbances. His personal style of counselling and his sensitivity and receptivity in dealing with the problems of the individual patient will determine the weight of his advice. Modern human genetics, if optimally applied, can change the whole scene of handicap by limiting congenital developmental disturbances on the basis of an understanding of the underlying causation obtained by comprehensive investigation. Only then can patients be adequately counselled and prevention become possible.