Genetic counselors provide an invaluable service to physicians and patients. By providing the latest, up to the minute information about the diagnosis of  inheritable conditions and diseases they assist physicians and patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and lifestyles. They serve as a physician extender providing  service under the physician's supervision. 

The right to informed consent is fundamental to modern healthcare and has been upheld in multiple court decisions. Without information and counseling about all options available, one can not make an informed decision. 

As an OB/gyn for 27 years, I understand that informed consent means that the healthcare decision is the patient's to choose, not mine. Sometimes patients  will make decisions that I believe are incorrect.  Rarely,  I am morally opposed to that decision.  As a physician,  I am not required to provide the medical or surgical care which I oppose, but it is my duty to help to help the patient find alternative care. Otherwise, it is abandonment and considered medical malpractice. 

Genetic counsellors should never have the option of denying patients information they need to make an informed decision by claiming moral opposition to such information. Like their supervising physicians, they should be required to provide patients with alternative referral sources to help them make informed decisions. Their referral physician should also be informed of such a plan of care. 

I agree that the Advisory Board of Genetic Counselors should craft legislation outlining the procedures to be followed in cases where genetic counselors are morally opposed to counseling about certain disease states or treatment options. Without such assurance, patients can not be guaranteed informed consent and physicians will be at the whim of each genetic counselor for whom we remain liable.