The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) supports collecting available health information (including medical, genetic, and family history) for children entering the adoption process. As with any child, concerns that arise about a genetic condition should be relayed to a clinical genetics specialist to determine if genetic testing is appropriate. Decisions to genetically test a child during the adoption process should be made based on the child’s current medical needs and should not be used solely to decide whether to adopt the child.

Prior to finalizing the adoption, NSGC recommends that the adoption agency or child’s representative confirm the biological and adoptive parents’ preferences for re-contact regarding genetic test results or medically significant family history. (Reaffirmed September 2024)

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