The Development of Genetic Counseling Services and Training Program in Saudi Arabia

In 2005 the first Saudi genetic counseling training program was established by the Department of Medical Genetics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program has graduated five genetic counselors with high diploma-level degree. This brief report describes the development of the genetic counseling training program and the factors that led to its establishment. Special emphasis is made to unique cultural practices including consanguinity, religious influence, and termination of pregnancy. This report also describes the current status of the genetic counseling services offered by KFSH&RC and availability of genetic testing.