A Developing Legal Norm: Accurate Information Must be Provided with Down Syndrome Test Result

States with laws mandating accurate information with a Down syndrome prenatal test result As of 2019, nineteen states have laws that require the provision of accurate written information and referral to local parent support organizations when a health care provider delivers a pre- or post-natal test result for Down syndrome. With this many state laws, this requirement is a developing legal norm. Continue Reading

Created demand for prenatal genetic testing

Why is there a demand for prenatal genetic testing? In large part, due to the ethically problematic laboratory marketing efforts aimed at creating that demand. Continue Reading

People with Down syndrome are lifelong learners (just like everyone else)

New research finds that people with Down syndrome continue to learn throughout their lives and can add functional skills in adult years. Just like the rest of us, they are lifelong learners.  Continue Reading

DSAIA Medical Outreach Webinar: August 22, 2018, 1 pm, EST

Wednesday, August 22, 2018, Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action will host a webinar on building relationships with medical professionals beginning at 1 pm, EST. I hope you will join us for this training and discussion that is vital if new and expectant parents' experiences are to improve when being told a test result for Down syndrome. Continue Reading

Avengers Infinity War, utilitarian ethics, and prenatal testing

The blockbuster movie Avengers - Infinity War features heroes and villains sacrificing for what they perceive is the greater good. The ethical issues in the movie are shared in how prenatal testing is administered, but with a key distinction. Continue Reading

Cure for Down syndrome promised with just a single injection

If you could give your loved one with Down syndrome a shot that would eliminate their extra 21st Chromosome, would you? This may be a very real question in the not too distant future.  Continue Reading

Iowa Supreme Court recognizes wrongful birth claim

On June 2, 2017, the Iowa Supreme Court recognized for the first time the claim of "wrongful birth". The Court also recognized that the state legislature may enact legislation barring such claims.  Continue Reading

Research & Potential Treatments for Down Syndrome: What Do You Think?

At the beginning of June, I attended a conference of researchers seeking treatments for conditions associated with Down syndrome. This month, a survey is seeking your input on what you think about treatments for Down syndrome.  Continue Reading

Adoption: Absolutely Beautiful

Here is a nine-minute video that introduces the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network and its director, Stephanie Thompson.  Continue Reading