Correction to: Practice resource-focused revision: Standardized pedigree nomenclature update centered on sex and gender inclusivity: A practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors

Abstract

Bennett, R. L., French, K. S., Resta, R. G., & Austin, J. (2022). Practice resource-focused revision: Standardized pedigree nomenclature update centered on sex and gender inclusivity: A practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Journal of Genetic Counseling, 31(6), 1238–1248. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1621.

As per Rathbun and Paulyson Nuñez (Rathbun & Paulyson Nuñez, in press) and our Reply to Rathbun and Paulyson Nuñez (French et al., in press), we inaccurately and interchangeably used the terms “surrogate” and “gestational carrier” in our previous publication (Bennett et al., 2022 Figure 5 examples 3 and 4). A “gestational carrier” is defined as a person who carries a pregnancy resulting from the transfer of a preimplantation embryo, but who has no genetic relationship with the embryo. The term “surrogate” is defined as a person who donates eggs and carries the pregnancy for another. We have updated our recommendations accordingly (see Figure 5).

We now suggest removing the symbol for surrogate “S” (Bennett et al., 2022, Figure 5 example 3) and instead using the gestational carrier symbol “G.” We also recommend adding a “G” to the circle on the right to indicate a gestational carrier in the 2022 article, Figure 5, example 5 (see corrected Figure 5, example 4). This can clarify some reproductively complex pedigrees. In addition, regarding Figure 5 example 5 from our 2022 article, we now recommend removing the “D” from the circle on the left, since this is an intended parent and not an egg donor.

In reviewing Figure 4 from our 2022 publication, we noted that the symbol for ectopic pregnancy was inconsistent with the 2008 guidelines (Bennett et al., 2008, Figure 1); the forward slash was accidentally omitted. Our corrected Figure 4 reflects this change.

In our Correction, we amended the Figures to reflect the above changes and made some minor revisions to improve clarity (Figures 1-5).

In recognition of the continual evolution of language regarding reproduction and gender, we recommend regular review of this standardized pedigree nomenclature to align with rapidly changing definitions of reproduction and gender.

All authors contributed equally to the conception, writing and graphic design.