Why is “being ahead of the curve” a selling point for Verinata’s verifi?

Thursday, Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) laboratory Verinata is hosting a webinar open to the public about its brand of testing, verifi. Verinata's choice in marketing taglines raises serious ethical concerns. Continue Reading

“We never thought for a moment we would aid in the eradication of Down syndrome”

NBC News's Health blog featured a long post on the new research that "turns off" the extra 21st Chromosome in Down syndrome. There are many things to learn from it.  Continue Reading

Down syndrome birth statistics, so far

Over at Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA), my report on birth statistics has been posted. It explains the above graph showing an overall decline in Down syndrome births in 2013, so far. Continue Reading

On Down syndrome prenatal testing, they don’t get to have it both ways

The recent press releases by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the video above show the inconsistency in policy positions in obstetric care. Regarding Down syndrome prenatal testing, they shouldn't get to have it both ways. Continue Reading

What are we losing if Down syndrome disappears?

In a previous post, I reported on an account that suggests Down syndrome may already be starting to disappear from our society. But, if that is the case, what are we losing if Down syndrome disappears? Continue Reading

You may decline prenatal testing, but you may be choosing to be sued if you do

Last week, Art Caplan, a well-known bioethicist, wrote a post for Harvard Law's Bill of Health blog. The post prompted one commenter to write, "Caplan, you are a laughable clown." Whatever did Caplan write? Continue Reading

Is Down syndrome already starting to disappear?

Since the dawn of prenatal testing and selective abortion, critics and commentators have wondered whether Down syndrome will disappear from society. Experience this year suggests that it may now be happening. Continue Reading

Gosnell, after-birth abortion, and Down syndrome

Kermit Gosnell (AP Photo/Philadelphia Daily News, Yong Kim)Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia physician, was convicted this week for  first degree murder. A jury found him guilty of killing babies born alive after botched abortion procedures. There are academics who have cited prenatal testing and selective abortion for Down syndrome to argue that not only are Gosnell's actions not criminal, but morally justifiable. Continue Reading

Jason Collins comes out. Gay advocates want the world to know he still has a life worth living.

Last week, Jason Collins, an NBA player, came out as gay. Hopefully you find this post's headline objectionable. But why didn't the USA Today editors think so for the headline of their front-page story last week on prenatal testing for Down syndrome? Continue Reading