Screeningfor the Tay-Sachs Carrier:A CompromiseProgram

A modified program designed to screen for the Tay-Sachs carrier is presented in which testing is limited to one or both partners, as needed, in an Ashkenazi Jewish (Jews of central and eastern Europeancestry) mating when there is a definite commitment toward having a child, or in the early stages of the pregnancy. Testing of unmarried indi-viduals is discouraged. The approach maximizes individ-ualization of both the medical and laboratory aspects of the program and promotes a positive and beneficial rela-tionship between physician and clinical chemist. There is little involvement of the lay population or clergy, and no special sources of funding are required. Whereas most mass screening programs for the Tay-Sachs carrier have attempted to educate large numbers of the lay public to bring pressure upon the medical community, we hav