The latter condition has received more press in recent years following the birth of former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson\u2019s twins, who were born with SMA, which affects muscles, bones, swallowing and breathing. The singer has successfully campaigned for testing of newborns to be rolled out by the NHS in parts of the UK.<\/p>\n
![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JoshForman(Photo_Jnetics).jpg\")
Josh Forman (Photo: Jnetics)[Missing Credit] <\/p>\n
However, Forman said that if partners had knowledge of their carrier status prior to conception, they could explore the option of PGT-M \u2013 a form of IVF \u2013 where embryos are screened for a specific, known inherited genetic condition before they are transferred to the womb.<\/p>\n
While acknowledging that PGT-M was not an easy option, Forman said: \u201cIt can be even harder and more impactful to consider your options after conception has already occurred.\u201d<\/p>\n
Explaining the decision of Jnetics to offer free testing to students, he said: \u201cWe want students to decide for their future not based on money\u2026It\u2019s a whole community initiative, where someone in the community has happily covered the cost of your test.\u201d<\/p>\n
Forman said the biggest misconception with testing was that people believed if they were found to carry a recessive gene, it meant that there was something wrong with them.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has genes\u2026Being a carrier does not tell you anything about your health, it just tells you what you can potentially pass on. Every human carries at least three recessive gene mutations, which is why Jnetics are also happy to screen non-Jewish partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked what Jnetics\u2019 overriding message would be to students considering getting tested, Forman said it would be \u201cto enjoy the present while looking after the future\u201d.<\/p>\n
Jnetics on Campus University Screening Week: November\u00a023 \u2013 29<\/p>\n