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 ...
Yup, so true. What do you think about people whose belief system says that YOU are a problem and need to be done away with?
susie
I believe abortion is murder, and murder is a capital crime.
I have a 12 year old daughter with spina bifida. I didn't find out until I was 5 months along. It didn't matter to me, I never even thought about getting rid of her. The doctors were telling me to have an abortion but I would never do that. So they were all doom and gloom, telling me she would be brain damaged, or a vegetable, or on a resperator all her life, but we had her, and the only thing wrong with her is that she is in a wheelchair. She is in the 7th grade this year and is starting to notice boys ( pray for us on that one). I couldn't imagined her not being here.
That's great. Tell you what, why don't we start screening for babies that will be born blind, deaf, with abnormal extremities, a hyperactive personality, etc. etc. etc. and abort those was well.
God bless you.
If the sperm and egg make it together and start growing that's life.
Anything other than that is rationalizing murder.
God Blesses us with very special gifts. We must be adult enough to recognize that God has entrusted us with them. One person with DS teaches us more than a million liberals put together.
I am compelled to ask what the rationale for this is.
I am compelled to wonder why you ellided the part of their quote where they stated why and then had the gall to ask.
I did not "ellided" anything.
I am compelled to ask if you know how to read complete sentences?
There was teacher where I taught who was wheelchair confined due to spina bifida. He had such a great attitude about life. Anyway, I recently read in the local paper online that he just got married. That really warmed my heart. He's such a nice person. He never made an issue of his disability, and everyone treated him like everyone else.
We all have something, some are just more visually obvious.
God Bless you and keep you sane while your daughter is in middle school! That's a challenging age!
susie
I'll remember to thank the Lord for that.
I am the father of an adult with DS. I am also the father of adult children with no discernible disability. Let me tell you something - EVERY child is a burden to his parents at some point or other and EVERY child disappoints his parents at some point. My son with Down Syndrome - he manages to let us down less than the rest of his siblings.
That's a beautiful post. I know people with marvelous children, but they fuss that they don't get straight A's or wish they were taller, thinner, didn't lisp, had an ear for music - it's all foolishness.
My sister in law had a perfect child (before she became widowed and subsequently married my brother), but five years along he was hit by a car and was a quadraplegic with major mental problems. He lived to be 16 and when he passed she said she wouldn't have missed a day of his life.
You never know what life will bring you, only that G-d will give you the strength to see it through.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1519432/posts
Touchy, feely, nonsense.
Really?
The Irish consider children with Down syndrome a blessing becuse they are full of unconditional love. The more you love them, the more they give back. My two year old, Liam, has Down syndrome and he is a gift to our entire family.
My wife received her doctorate developing a method to teach children with Down syndrome how to play the piano. They are such amazing people. She also teaches piano to children with autism. These children do present unique challenges but they also uniquely enrich people's lives.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.