Benefit: Family planning

With genetic testing, you may find out if your children or other people in your family (like siblings or cousins) could be more likely to develop ALS or related conditions. Some people with a family history of ALS or related conditions use this information to plan for their family’s future.

For example, if you want to start a family, you could choose to see a doctor who specializes in reproductive health and pregnancy. They can help you explore ways to have a biological child without passing down genetic differences linked to ALS or related conditions, if that is important to you. Depending on where you live, your options may include:

• Getting pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)
• Getting genetic testing for a fetus during pregnancy with the option to have an abortion

A specialist can also help you explore other ways to become a parent, like using donated eggs, embryos, or sperm or adopting a child.

While it’s helpful to understand your reproductive options, keep in mind that you don’t have to explore any alternative options on your path to parenthood. And of course, some people may choose not to pursue parenthood at all. You get to decide whether to start a family and how you wish to do so. Your genetic counselor is here to support you in whatever path you choose.