Jackie is thirty-two years old and fifteen weeks pregnant. She and her partner, Michael, are excited about their pregnancy, which was planned. Jackie, who never expected to want a child until she met Michael two years ago, has made arrangements with her company to work at home two days a week for the first year. Michael has made similar arrangements with his workplace. Although Jackie has never been pregnant before and is in good health, she is a bit anxious and wants to do everything possible to ensure an uncomplicated delivery and a healthy baby. Wanting as much information as possible, she and Michael consult their obstetrician about having an amniocentesis performed. Their obstetrician points out that amniocentesis is not indicated for women under age thirty five and suggests that they go for genetic counseling, where a risk assessment can be performed. Their counselor explains the risks of amniocentesis and obtains a family, medical, and pregnancy history. The assessment reveals no risk factors, but Jackie and Michael still want to have an amniocentesis performed. The results of the chromosomal reveal that their fetus is a female with a condition called Turner syndrome. This syndrome is caused when all or part of one of the two X chromosomes normally present in females is lost before or shortly after conception. In the case of Jackie and Michael's fetus, the analysis reveals that the X chromosome is missing entirely When the counselor shares this information with the couple, they react with concern and immediately want to know everything about the condition. The counselor informs them that common features of Turner syndrome include short stature and ovarian failure. The average height of a woman with Turner syndrome is four feet and eight inches. Ovarian failure results in infertility and failure to develop secondary sexual characteristics, meaning girls most likely will not menstruate or develop full feminine contours. Other features may include a webbed neck, prominent ears, and short fingers. Turner syndrome also is associated with medical conditions involving the heart, thyroid glands, and kidneys. The counselor points out that some of these conditions can be medically managed and treated with success. For example, hormonal treatment can be effective in facilitating sexual maturation as well as augmenting height in some cases. Jackie and Michael leave the counselor's office with a stack of materials to read and the number of the Turner Syndrome Society of the U.S. There are between 50,000 and 75,000 girls and women in the U.S. with this condition. Jackie and Michael are not in principle opposed to abortion; but at this point in their lives they would consider abortion only if their fetus suffered a abnormality. Does Turner syndrome constitute a serious genetic abnormality? Does it make good sense to test for Turner syndrome? COMMENTARY by Diana Punales Morejon The scenario described is not at all unusual in the practice of genetic counseling. With the increased availability and accessibility of prenatal diagnosis, more and more women and couples are opting to undergo such testing without medical indications. Just like Jackie and Michael, they seem to be motivated by a desire to learn as much as possible about the health of the unborn baby in order to maximize their reproductive options. One twenty-nine-year-old woman I recently counseled explained that although I understand that amniocentesis is not indicated for me, I want to know as much as I can about my baby and my choices. So much is out of my control already that at least I want to know whatever I can from amnio. In some cases, prenatal diagnosis tan increase reproductive autonomy and control for prospective parents. If the test reveals a chromosomal abnormality, this information gives the woman or couple the opportunity to choose to continue or interrupt the pregnancy. If the decision is made to continue the pregnancy, the information can give the couple time to prepare both psychologically and logistically for any special care the baby may require. …