Tuesday night, I stayed up to catch Jerry Seinfeld be the first stand-up on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I wish I hadn't. Continue Reading
February 19, 2014
What’s missing from non-invasive prenatal testing for Down syndrome
Given all the attention the past few years on advances in prenatal testing, it should be relatively simple to decide what prenatal testing an expectant mother should have if she chooses to accept prenatal testing, right? Well, not exactly. Continue Reading
February 18, 2014
Erecting and tearing down barriers to inclusion
Between attending the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine annual conference one week, celebrating my son's birthday the next, and now preparing to attend the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action conference, I have a backlog of news headlines I've been meaning to share. Here are some on how measures large and small can impact and include those with Down syndrome and other disabilities: Continue Reading
February 13, 2014
Our story: our son turns eight years old
Yesterday, I spent most of my time tracking down the situation for a local 6-year old girl with Down syndrome who had been abandoned by her mother for 6 days. Fortunately, this child not only survived (which should impress anyone that a 6-year old with Down syndrome survived on her own for 6 days), but has been reunited with a loving foster family who had intended to adopt her before her mother took back custody. Comforted in knowing this girl is in a safe place, I want to turn to someone who Continue Reading
February 11, 2014
Abortion, in the news
Abortion is inextricably intertwined with prenatal testing for Down syndrome and remains the option most women choose following a prenatal test result. As such, here are some items about abortion offered pursuant to the purpose of this blog: providing information for those involved in prenatal testing for Down syndrome. Continue Reading
February 10, 2014
Risk-free prenatal testing may increase risk of prenatal testing
In 2014, I attended the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) annual conference. Turns out, research presented there showed that a prediction of mine is happening: non-invasive prenatal screening may increase the risk of diagnostic prenatal testing. Continue Reading
February 6, 2014
Prenatal testing for Down syndrome webinar, March 3rd
UPDATE: The National Center for Prenatal & Postnatal Down Syndrome Resources and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities are co-sponsoring a webinar Monday, March 3, 2014, 12:00 - 1:30, EST. Please note the new date, March 3rd. I will be co-presenting with Dr. Brian Skotko about the newest prenatal testing for Down syndrome and how Down syndrome support organizations can respond to questions from media and members. The webinar is free. Continue Reading
February 3, 2014
Share your story about your prenatal experience
In today's news collection: researchers are seeking mothers to share their prenatal experience; a mom wishes she had had the wisdom gained after having her child with Down syndrome when she first viewed her on ultrasound; and, a mom sets up a support group for parents whose only child has Down syndrome. Continue Reading
January 31, 2014
Structural violence against those with intellectual disabilities
Thank God it's Friday because, while there was a lot of good news this week, it had some pretty bad news as well. And, that's beyond Atlanta coming to a stop by a few inches of snow. In bioethics, there's this idea called "structural violence," where little and big things in a society can enact violence on those who are in the minority or under-privileged. These headlines show there's still structural violence against those with intellectual disabilities. Continue Reading
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