Several years ago, I learned about "syngamy." It informed how we are to think of one another. I had reason to be reminded of it for a couple of reasons this week, one circumstantial and one sad. Continue Reading
July 9, 2013
USA Today discriminates against Down syndrome
In a recent editorial, USA Today's editorial board expressed "Our view" that discriminates against Down syndrome and perpetuates the societal stigma against those with the genetic condition. Continue Reading
July 2, 2013
America’s creed: will Down syndrome prenatal testing abide by it?
In honor of this week's July 4th holiday, I wonder whether the administration of Down syndrome prenatal testing will abide by America's creed. Continue Reading
July 1, 2013
Is it already happening? Tracking Down syndrome births so far in 2013.
In previous posts, I have written of a concern that others have shared about whether Down syndrome will disappear as prenatal testing advances. Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) has posted a request of mine seeking groups to report their numbers of referrals for births so far in 2013. This is prompted by one organization receiving only two birth referrals when they would ordinarily have welcomed at least 10 new babies at this same time in previous years. Click here to read the full Continue Reading
June 26, 2013
What every woman needs to know about Down syndrome prenatal testing, a review
Earlier this year, Amy Julia Becker released a new book entitled, What Every Woman Needs to Know about Prenatal Testing: insight from a mom who has been there." As with everything Becker writes, it intertwines compassion with needed analysis of a decision all pregnant women will confront in this new age of prenatal testing. Continue Reading
June 14, 2013
It’s not about information; it’s about selling information
Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court ruled that genes cannot be patented. This may not stop competing NIPS labs from trying to enjoin their competitors. But, the ruling reveals a point that gets lost in the celebration of genomics. Continue Reading
June 12, 2013
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
June 5, 2013
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
June 2, 2013
The world doesn’t get to have it both ways with Down syndrome
Last week, my daughter was assessed to determine whether she qualified for a waiver under our state's Medicaid program. When informed that she may be initially denied--and many wrongfully are--I thought, "you don't get to have it both ways." Continue Reading
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