This is the fourth installment of Chapter Two's dive into prenatal genetic testing. Previous installments are available here. This is the final section concerning prenatal diagnostic testing. Next week begins the sections on prenatal genetic screening. Continue Reading
May 5, 2020
Chapter 2, Part 3: Why is there prenatal testing for Down syndrome? (Answer is too simple to believe)
A karyotype of the conditions Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and Double-X (female) This is the third installment of Chapter 2's dive into exploring prenatal genetic testing. The earlier installments can be found here. Read on and see if you think the title of this post is accurate. Continue Reading
May 3, 2020
Perpetual grieving, re-opening, & more grieving in the coronavirus pandemic
There is a lot to grieve in the age of the coronavirus. But, it seems perpetual. This is leaving people stuck along the stages of grief, which has resulted in a re-opening of society that, sadly, will likely lead to more grieving. Continue Reading
April 27, 2020
Chapter Two, Part 2: Diagnostic testing for Down syndrome
In part 2 of Chapter Two, the two main diagnostic tests for Down syndrome are described. The rest of the installments published so far are available here. If you had diagnostic testing, feel free to share your experience in the comments. Continue Reading
April 23, 2020
Coronavirus lockdown protester: a candid hypocrite
A sign held by a female protester in Tennessee demanding the state reopen for business went viral during the coronavirus pandemic. Most reacted with outrage or disbelief. But her candor should be recognized, and also her hypocrisy. Continue Reading
April 20, 2020
Chapter 2, Part 1: An unconsented-to false negative screen for Down syndrome
Image of a nuchal translucency test. Chapter Two opens with two scenes from a couple's first prenatal visits, shares how we received an unconsented-to false negative screen, and, then discusses some of the common reasons couples seek prenatal genetic testing. (You can catch up with all of Chapter 1, here). Feel free to leave a comment about your own initial experience with prenatal genetic testing and whether I've fairly summarized the common reasons parents agree to prenatal genetic Continue Reading
April 15, 2020
Caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome have one job when it comes to COVID-19
Based on the much higher casualty rate for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) as reported from the state of New York, caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome have one job when it comes to COVID-19: do not let your loved one get infected. Continue Reading
April 11, 2020
Chapter 1, Part 4
Juliet's Walk Team, 2013 Here is the fourth, and final installment, of Chapter 1. You can catch up with the previous installments here. We finish the first 24 hours of meeting Juliet, the outpouring of support we experienced in the hospital, an example from one doctor on how to counsel patients about Down syndrome, and an example from another on how to almost get punched in the face. Continue Reading
April 7, 2020
Disability Advocates Seek State Policy Against Discrimination in COVID-19 Medical Rationing
Advocates are seeking clear state policy to prevent discrimination when it comes to medical rationing decisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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