Sharing Insights on Family Planning Options and PKD Genetics

(prHWY.com) January 5, 2012 - Hamilton, Canada -- Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Families can benefit from genetic counseling for up-to-date information on the inheritance of PKD. This is useful for individuals with PKD or couples contemplating having children.

On January 14, 2012, a chapter member will share the information that helped her and her husband make important decisions for their family.

The difference between autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive genes and how each type of PKD impacts children will be explained in her presentation at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton.

What choices do we have in building our families? Who can help us better understand these choices, and act on the ones that we feel are best for us?

These questions and more will be highlighted. To gain a better understanding of the genetics of PKD and learn about the new options that are available, such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, nothing beats hearing the story of a family that has been through it.

"My personal interest is in pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) because it is a relatively new technology that many don't know about," she said. "Our doctors and genetic counselors never discussed PGD with us until I specifically asked about it. It's important for people with PKD to understand this option, as well as all of the other choices, so they can make informed decisions."

Decisions on family planning are highly personal. All options will be discussed in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Ethical considerations also will be discussed at the meeting.

Free, two-hour informational meetings are open to the public and hosted by the Hamilton Chapter of the PKD Foundation of Canada six times a year. More information is available online. Endpkd.ca

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