Posted on 11/10/2005 11:42:40 AM PST by WmShirerAdmirer
Earlier Diagnosis Allows More Time for Decisions
A first-trimester screening test can reliably identify fetuses likely to be born with Down syndrome, providing expectant women with that information much earlier in a pregnancy than current testing allows, according to a major study being released today.
The eagerly awaited study of more than 38,000 U.S. women -- the largest ever conducted -- found that the screening method, which combines a blood test with an ultrasound exam, can pinpoint many fetuses with the common genetic disorder 11 weeks after conception. That allows women to decide sooner whether to undergo the riskier follow-up testing needed to confirm the diagnosis.
"This is a big deal for women. It's going to have a big impact on care for women, not just in the United States but throughout the world," said Fergal D. Malone of the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, who led the study published in today's issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Screening women before the second trimester allows those who might opt to terminate a pregnancy to make that decision when doctors say an abortion is safer and less traumatic. It also gives those who want to continue the pregnancy more time to prepare emotionally for their child's condition, and provides earlier reassurance to those whose babies are healthy, avoiding weeks of anxiety, Malone and others said.
"This is huge," said Catherine Y. Spong of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which funded the $15 million eight-year study.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which issues influential recommendations for prenatal screening, will update its advice to reflect the findings, officials said.
Word of the study triggered criticism from opponents of abortion, however, as well as from those who object to its use to prevent...
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Just another reason for libs to murder babies.
"Earlier Diagnosis Allows More Time for Decisions"
Liberal code for Abortion.
Why what great news! Women can start aborting their "fetuses" earlier than ever! Why one might go so far as to say that women ought to be forced to have an abortion if this is discovered, yes, mandatory screening! What disorder could we wipe out next? "Cure" blindness? Deafness? Autism?
A glorious day indeed.
Owl_Eagle
(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,
OK - get rid of defective babies earlier when they don't feel the pain. What about if a womyn doesn't get the test? Can she get rid of the kid after it's born? Just wondering...</Sarcasm>
What would they say if there were a "GAY" gene discovered? Would they trumpet this as GREAT NEWS?.....
Yes. It's call "institutionalization"
A friend of mine has a child with DS. Its tough to deal with and I wouldn't wish it on any parent. If I had a choice I would want the test too.
My wife and I refused all screening during her/our three pregnancies. It wouldn't have mattered what the tests showed, God blessed us with a precious gift each time.
Just what we need, more justification for abortion.
Are *you* a parent?
In Canada the maternal serum screening (blood tests) are basically mandatory. I was told, on my birthday no less, that my first child was 80% likely to have Downs. He was born perfect six months later.
He's 11 and in the chess club.
I've worked with Down Syndrome kids for the last thirty years.
They have special needs above and beyond other children, and that can be frustrating and challenging at times.
Doesn't justify killing them though.
No. I have no desire to be one either.
I was just about to ping you to this.
I guess it depends on your definition of baby now isn't it and what you believe in. I don't have the same belief system as you.
I have no problem with this test and I am glad it is offered. Then parents or parent have a choice just like when a young girl becomes pregnant due to a rape - and if they choose to go forward, they know what they need to do to raise the child.
Lovely. My sister-in-law's sister, was told, late on a Friday afternoon, that her triple screen results were of some concern, and she should call the doctor. She had a horrible weekend, and when she finally got through to the doctor, she was told something like, the usual chance of a Down Syndrome baby at your age is 1 in 400, and the tests show it's now 1 in 200.
I had a level 3 amnio, and the perinatologist started going on and on about Down's, and the things to watch out for, and I was getting so scared thinking he's going to give me the bad news, and finally he said to the effect: your chances were 1 in 100, now they're 1 in 400!
Just let the babies be born. Or live in the womb however long they're going to live. If these were search and save missions it would be one thing, but they're not, they're search and destroy. People would cope with a handicapped child after it was born, if they had a chance to learn how.
I have a niece with DS. She is a wonderful girl (now an adult) and a great blessing. How sad that people assume their children should be perfect and free from all *defects*. Everyone can be a blessing if you look at them that way.
susie
According to some, homophilia.
meant ultrasound, not amnio.
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