Technology today has led to great innovations in the genetic testing field, specifically prenatal testing. Prenatal testing is conducted on a developing fetus in order to detect any birth defects or genetic irregularities. Although it poses some risks, prenatal testing allows couples to know whether or not their child will be healthy, and if the child is not, grants them time to prepare medically, financially, and emotionally. Prenatal testing is often suggested to parents with a higher risk of an abnormal child-usually if a genetic disease runs in the family or the mother is over the age of 35. Prenatal testing solicits the debate whether parents should be given the right to possibly harm the unborn child, yet educating the patients before testing is key and allows the parents the liberty to decide if it is right for them.

The bill I will be following is the "Prenatal testing program: education" bill which calls for improved education for patients prior to testing. It would add on to current education the information regarding environmental health, which would be made accessible to all parents looking to undergo testing. This education will promote healthier pregnancies and more educated decisions on prenatal testing. You can view the bill here: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140SB460