Yes. Genetic disorders that are common among Sephardic Jews vary based on country of origin. Though Jewish genetic disorders vary in severity and age of onset, most are debilitating, and some are fatal. Many of the conditions are rare and lack effective treatment at this time. Genetic counseling and carrier screening are therefore invaluable in planning for a family.
Many carrier screening panels include conditions more common in the Sephardic Jewish community, however, they are not all-encompassing. All persons of Ashkenazi and/or Sephardic Jewish ancestry should consider expanded genetic testing and counseling in order to address possible inheritable conditions.
