Tay-Sachs Disease - Prevention

Once a baby receives recessive genes from both parents, it is destined to develop Tay-Sachs disease. The only way to prevent this condition from happening, then, is to make sure no baby receives two recessive genes.

Parents from ethnic groups at risk for Tay-Sachs have the option of being tested for recessive genes. If only one parent has a recessive gene, the baby will not develop Tay-Sachs disease. If both parents have the recessive gene, the child will develop the disorder. Couples can use this kind of information to decide whether or not to have children.

Prenatal testing can also provide information about Tay-Sachs disease. A pregnant woman can be tested to see if her child has Tay-Sachs disease. She and her partner can then decide whether or not to continue with the pregnancy.