Studies Show Promise Of Sequencing Infants’ Genomes To Detect Genetic Conditions

The Washington Post (6/17, Johnson) reports that in two state studies conducted in North Carolina and New York, “parents can have experts conduct a more extensive scan and review their baby’s entire genetic blueprint for 200 different conditions” free of charge. The states “are studying whether this far more comprehensive approach can save lives and improve children’s health. Two decades after scientists sequenced the first human genome, the two state studies reflect the rapid emergence of a new kind of health care called genomic medicine, spawned by that landmark achievement.” Now, “early results show that genome sequencing is identifying conditions not disclosed through the traditional newborn screening required by all 50 states.” However, this genomic sequencing raises ethical and practical questions.