The power of context to create a Down syndrome prenatal testing epidemic

In his National Bestseller, The Tipping Point: how little things can make a big difference, Malcolm Gladwell identifies three elements to creating an epidemic, from the spread of disease to a social trend. With two of the three being built into prenatal testing for Down syndrome, the final element will determine the tipping point of whether prenatal testing becomes an epidemic. Continue Reading

What to do with a poorly wrapped gift?

A featured letter to the editor posed a question that offers a different perspective on a prenatal test result for Down syndrome. Continue Reading

With Down syndrome, what are we choosing to invest in?

I wrote previously about how some describe the damage of disability as the lack of support by society for individuals with disabilities. It prompts the question: with Down syndrome, what are we choosing to invest in?  Continue Reading

Webinar on Prenatal Testing for Down syndrome

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

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

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

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