Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) has made available the webinar I presented on Down syndrome prenatal testing. The webinar covers the basics of prenatal testing, the newest form of prenatal testing for Down syndrome, the professional society statements of the ACMG, ACOG, ISPD, and NSGC, and the statements' comments on counseling about prenatal testing. The webinar is available for free to the public. You can access the webinar at this link. Register using the box on the lower left hand Continue Reading
Archives for 2013
May 20, 2013
Delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis: the importance of where over when
Two recent articles on how a Down syndrome diagnosis was delivered to parents made me remember an important point about delivering the diagnosis: the importance of where over when. Continue Reading
May 16, 2013
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
May 15, 2013
NSGC on Down syndrome prenatal testing: What’s essential (and what’s not)
Three other professional organizations have issued statements on the newest form of prenatal testing for Down syndrome. But, the National Society of Genetic Counselors make clear what is essential information expectant mothers should receive. Continue Reading
May 14, 2013
Didn’t you get tested? The normative effect of prenatal testing undermines reproductive freedom.
Medical organizations and bioethicists justify prenatal testing out of a respect for a woman's autonomy, her ability to control her reproductive choices. But society's view of prenatal testing can undermine that freedom. A recent Salon article adds to the evidence for this concern. Continue Reading
May 13, 2013
Karen Gaffney, long-distance swimmer, advocate, receives doctorate of humane letters
I've written previously how medical professionals are instructed to be humble in predicting how Down syndrome may affect a life. Karen Gaffney's accomplishments certainly demonstrate the wisdom of this instruction. Continue Reading
May 9, 2013
Free Webinar Next Tuesday: New Prenatal Testing Recommendations
Next Tuesday, May 14, 2013, Down Syndrome of Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) is hosting a webinar where I am the presenter. The webinar will cover the recent professional statements on prenatal testing for Down syndrome. If you are like me and gain a new level of understanding hearing information presented to you, then this webinar should help further explain what I've been covering on the latest in prenatal testing for Down syndrome. DSAIA has graciously made the webinar available to the public Continue Reading
May 8, 2013
Really, you are not alone
Mother's Day is this Sunday. Here's a chance to provide a "lifeline" for expectant mothers. Continue Reading
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