What is Genetic Counseling?Human genetic counseling is a detailed discussion in which questions about hereditary diseases are answered, and information is provided. Those seeking advice may be affected patients, relatives who fear that they themselves may be carriers of the disease, or (expectant) parents who would like information about the risks of inheritance. The consulting physician is a specialist in human genetics and focuses on hereditary diseases, modes of inheritance, and scientific approaches to diagnosis and treatment.Who needs Genetic Counseling?Both patients and families can consult:if they are personally affected by a hereditary disease or think they may beif their child is born with a hereditary disorder or malformation, or if there is suspicion of itif hereditary disorders have occurred in close family members or are suspected to have occurredif they and their partners are related to each otherif parents want information on risks involved when the woman (mother) is beyond a certain age and/or wish to get information on prenatal diagnostic servicesin cases where prior to or during pregnancy external factors (infections, radiotherapy, medications, chemicals) may have effected them or the childif they are considering artificial insemination in cases where natural family planning had not been successful in cases of repeated miscarriage