Clinical, Ethical, and Practical Implications of Prenatal Genetics for Nurses: Part I

Prenatal genetic testing provides families with critical information regarding fetal genetic disorders and structural anomalies. As testing options expand, nurses must navigate a range of complex clinical, ethical, and systemic considerations that shape how tests are selected, conducted, and applied to treatment planning. This article discusses prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic modalities and their implications for nursing practice. It is critically important to offer comprehensive pretest and posttest counseling and to address uncertainty surrounding prenatal genetic testing. Provider shortages, time constraints in clinical settings, and evolving policies create barriers to equitable access to genetics care. Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting informed decision-making, promoting health literacy, and addressing equity in prenatal genetic care.