What are the options available to the couple if one or both test positive for genetic illnesses?
A. If we look further to physical, economic, psychological, and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised by those who, guided by prudent consideration and generosity, elect to accept many children. Those are also to be considered responsible who, for serious reasons and with due respect for moral precepts, decide not to have another child for either a definite or indefinite amount of time. Humanae Vitae # 10 Genetic testing for congenital illness did not exist in 1968 when Pope Paul VI wrote this encyclical. However, the principles he stated above can be applied to answer this question. A child has a right to the love, care and nurture from his or her parents. Therefore, in the name of justice for the child to be conceived, couples with a significant probability of having a child with serious disabilities have a duty to examine ahead of time whether they have the physical health and strength to care for a handicapped child. Do they have the economic means to do so? Are th
