Mark Leach is an attorney with a Master's in Bioethics, focusing on health law and public contracts. His interest in bioethics concerns the issues surrounding prenatal testing and Down syndrome.

Medical outreach as cosmic justice

This past weekend, I trained the Bloomington, Indiana-based parent support organization, the Down Syndrome Family Connection, on engaging in effective medical outreach. What I didn't share at the training was how it was a bit of cosmic justice for what happened in Bloomington years ago. Continue Reading

How to deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis … better

Too many parents have bad experiences from how their medical team delivered the diagnosis that their child has Down syndrome. Fortunately, research, guidelines, and online training exist on how best to deliver the diagnosis. Continue Reading

Three years on, what have we learned about non-invasive prenatal screening?

Three years ago, a new prenatal test for Down syndrome entered the market offering earlier, safer, and more accurate results. What have we learned about this new technology since then? Continue Reading

The ripple effect of medical outreach

As part of my work with the National Center, we exhibit at medical professional conferences. I look forward to hearing how our efforts effected positive change in serving patients. Continue Reading

Into our 2nd decade of Down syndrome awareness walks

My family attended our local Down syndrome walk for the 11th straight year. If you haven't already, I hope you'll make this year your first of many of attending your local organization's walk. Continue Reading

Don’t predict what a person with Down syndrome can’t do

This Saturday, after our local Down syndrome awareness walk, the film "Produce" had it's Louisville premiere. It showed how you can't predict what a person with Down syndrome will be able to do. Continue Reading

Louisville Premiere: “Produce” the Movie!

This Saturday night is the Louisville premiere of the movie Produce. What a great way to kick off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Continue Reading

Happy Anniversary National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October was proclaimed National Down Syndrome Month in 1984. How do you plan to celebrate this anniversary? Continue Reading

More informed decisions = less prenatal testing

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association makes what for some is a surprising finding: when women know more about prenatal testing, fewer of them accept it. Continue Reading