Genetic Counseling and the LDS Church: Navigating Faith, Family, and Medicine: CGA-IGC Genetic Counseling & Religion Podcast Series - Episode 3

Blake Jones MD - CGA-IGC Communications Committee Member

The third and final episode of CGA-IGC’s Genetic Counseling and Religion podcast series brings the conversation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), highlighting how faith, family, and medicine intersect for members of this global Christian community.

The host, Josie Baker MS, CGC is joined by Lindsey Walker, MS, LCGC a pediatric genetic counselor at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and a member of the LDS Church herself. Walker offers thoughtful context on the history and growth of the LDS Church. With more than 17 million members across 160 countries and territories, the LDS population represents a small—but sometimes geographically concentrated—group in the United States, with distinctive cultural and religious values that can shape healthcare decision-making.

Lindsey Walker explains that preventative care and engagement with medical professionals are encouraged within the LDS Church. Teachings such as the Word of Wisdom, a health code emphasizing practices like good nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and avoidance of substances such as alcohol—underscore a strong cultural focus on wellness. Medical care is often pursued alongside guidance from scripture, church leaders, and personal prayer rather than in opposition to them. While there is no centralized church infrastructure devoted to health initiatives, individuals may seek counsel from church leaders or request special blessings for health concerns. Importantly, as she notes, LDS members are not a monolith; personal, cultural, and regional influences all play a role in how individuals approach healthcare, including genetic services.

The episode also explores why many LDS individuals and families may be particularly open to genetic testing. A longstanding emphasis on family, genealogy, and record keeping lends itself to openness in discussing family history and genetic testing, and in some cases, LDS record keeping has contributed significantly to genetic research.

One notable example discussed is the identification of an American founder mutation for attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in LDS families, aided by extensive genealogical records. At the same time, prenatal testing can raise more complex considerations due to beliefs about the sanctity of human life, views on abortion, and the importance of having a family.

Practitioners should be mindful that these beliefs may add complexity to healthcare decisions related to genetic information that could affect reproductive capacity. For some, genetic information may not change pregnancy-related decisions, but it can still be valued as a tool for preparation and planning.

Mirroring the message from prior episodes in the series, Lindsey Walker emphasizes practical takeaways for genetic counselors and other healthcare providers: approach LDS patients with openness, curiosity, and respect for individual beliefs; take time to educate and present options; and recognize the central role of family and childbearing in many patients’ values.

The episode also encourages listeners to look beyond media stereotypes of the LDS Church and acknowledges both the contributions and limitations of LDS-associated genetic data. Walker offers the quote from spiritual leaders: “good information leads to good inspiration.” By thoughtfully integrating science-based care with an understanding of LDS individuals’ faith and spirituality, providers can better support LDS patients—and, ultimately, all patients—in making informed, values-aligned healthcare decisions.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now and stay tuned for further podcasts coming soon!

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If you enjoyed this podcast, you may like others from the CGA-IGC Podcast Series (Seasons 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7, 8) presented by the CGA-IGC Education Committee. Or, explore our Expert Approach to Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancers podcast series (Seasons 1 and 2).

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