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She mentions that it wasn't a huge concern pre-pregnancy because, of course, they're not Jewish.
While it's true that Ashkenazi Jews have a significantly higher rate of Tay-Sachs than the general population (along with Cajuns, who have a similar rate), it's also true that Irish-Americans have an elevated rate of Tay-Sachs.
Among the general population, about 1 in 300 people is a carrier. Among Ashkenazi Jews and Cajuns and French Canadians, the number is about 1 in 30. And among Irish-Americans, the number is 1 in 50.
As it happens, the writer had taken a pre-natal test for Tay-Sachs anyway. But she was told it was unnecessary because, after all - not Jewish!
I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing that with a child named Ronan, she and/or the dad may be Irish-Americans. And guess what? They get it too.
I'm not going to tell people what choices to make. All I can say is that just because you're not Jewish, it doesn't mean that Tay-Sachs can't possibly affect you. (Heck, even if you aren't in one of the OTHER groups that has a higher incidence of Tay-Sachs, you may still be a carrier.)
While it's true that Ashkenazi Jews have a significantly higher rate of Tay-Sachs than the general population (along with Cajuns, who have a similar rate), it's also true that Irish-Americans have an elevated rate of Tay-Sachs.
Among the general population, about 1 in 300 people is a carrier. Among Ashkenazi Jews and Cajuns and French Canadians, the number is about 1 in 30. And among Irish-Americans, the number is 1 in 50.
As it happens, the writer had taken a pre-natal test for Tay-Sachs anyway. But she was told it was unnecessary because, after all - not Jewish!
I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm guessing that with a child named Ronan, she and/or the dad may be Irish-Americans. And guess what? They get it too.
I'm not going to tell people what choices to make. All I can say is that just because you're not Jewish, it doesn't mean that Tay-Sachs can't possibly affect you. (Heck, even if you aren't in one of the OTHER groups that has a higher incidence of Tay-Sachs, you may still be a carrier.)
