Mark Leach is an attorney with a Master's in Bioethics, focusing on health law and public contracts. His interest in bioethics concerns the issues surrounding prenatal testing and Down syndrome.

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

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

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

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

Really, you are not alone

Mother's Day is this Sunday. Here's a chance to provide a "lifeline" for expectant mothers.  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

You are not alone

Last Thursday, USA Today featured a front-age, below-the-fold story by Liz Szabo on the recent advances in Down syndrome prenatal testing. The report shares an important recommendation for those receiving a prenatal test result.  Continue Reading

What are the odds that you are having a child with Down syndrome?

Here in my hometown, it's Derby week. With the greatest two minutes in sports upon us, it naturally has me thinking about odds. Indeed, prenatal testing for Down syndrome has that same focus. So, what are the odds that you are having a child with Down syndrome? Not only is this answer important, but it will surprise many. Continue Reading

What is the real worry about the newest prenatal testing for Down syndrome?

  I've been reviewing the recent Wall Street Journal report by Christopher Weaver on the new prenatal testing for Down syndrome. Weaver reports on questions raised by the new testing. The accompanying video to the report (available above) distills the worry down to a few simple statements. But are these statements the real worry with the new prenatal testing for Down syndrome? Continue Reading