Ninety percent of Faroese individuals support hereditary disease screening program for parents-to-be

Approximately 90 percent of Faroese individuals of childbearing age believe that a screening program should be available for everyone planning to have children to test for the five deadly hereditary diseases.

This finding comes from a survey released today at the request of the advocacy group Arvasjúkan.

The prevalence of these diseases is higher in the Faroe Islands than in other regions, and advocates argue that families should be spared the heartache that arises from bringing a child into the world who may suffer and face death due to these conditions.

The upcoming broadcast centers on hereditary diseases in the Faroe Islands. The program will feature discussions with affected individuals and members of the ethical council in a radio studio setting.

Participants include Bergur Debes Joensen, a pastor and chairman; Katrin Kallsberg, a specialist in women’s health; and Noomi Gregersen, project manager at Fargen.

Tune in to the broadcast on kvf.fo at 10 AM.