Before you request genetic testing, understand your personal benefits and whether community benefits may be at your expense. Since genetic testing is done only if a person requests it, a person's feelings in this area determine whether or not testing is done. In some communities of ethnic groups at high risk for particular genetic diseases, voluntary carrier testing programs that have influenced the family planning decisions of high risk couples. As genetic tests become available for more conditions, most of us would, with enough testing, be diagnosed as a carrier of some genetic condition.
Some persons have mental retardation because of genetic conditions.
In the past some governments, including some states in the US, have required sterilization of women with mental retardation. This is not done today. Some Facts Even in the best genetic programs, errors occassionally are made in testing or interpretation. Errors are kept at an absolute minimum by good quality-control systems. The quality of Quality-Control systems can vary from one setting to another more detail here .