Two Jewish Orgs To Offer Genetics Screening Counseling For Newlyweds
Yocheved and Alex Ferstenberg did genetic screening before having their child Kohelet. Image by JNS.org
By Ari Feldman January 19, 2018
Two companies that focus on supporting Jewish couples have partnered to offer genetic screening tests to newlyweds with at least one Jewish partner, eJewish Philanthropy reported.
JScreen is a not-for-profit that provides health counseling and genetic screening tests for Jews. Honeymoon Israel provides trips to Israel for newlywed couples with at least one Jewish partner.
The joint initiative will help subsidize the costs of genetic screening, so couples can be informed about the risks of passing on certain genetic diseases associated with Ashkenazi Jews.
“Many couples may not realize they are at risk for carrying certain disease genes, regardless of their religious or faith backgrounds,” said Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, executive director of JScreen. We have a responsibility to make sure that as many people as possible are well-informed about their risks and the importance of testing.”
Couples who participate in a trip organized by Honeymoon Israel will get a coupon for genetic screening, as well as information about Jewish genetics.
Contact Ari Feldman at feldman@forward.com or on Twitter @aefeldman
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