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.

Presenting at the ACMG annual meeting in Nashville

For the rest of this week, I will be attending the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Annual Meeting. It's being held in one of my favorite towns, Nashville, Tennessee. Hence my choice of footwear pictured at right. Continue Reading

What some moms have learned from having children with Down syndrome

With World Down Syndrome Day happening last Friday, several moms shared their thoughts on having children with Down syndrome. Here are some excerpts. Continue Reading

Prenatal testing for Down syndrome: does it respect a woman’s right to choose?

Prenatal testing for Down syndrome is ethically premised on respecting a woman's autonomy, her right to choose how to manage her pregnancy. Is that right to choose being respected if the woman does not know she had prenatal testing or does not understand the results? Continue Reading

World Down Syndrome Day: Such Good News To Share

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. I have an op-ed in our local paper; a webinar at noon on prenatal testing; a new organization supporting moms launches; and your support is needed! Continue Reading

World Down Syndrome Day in the news

Today, my daughter and I had the opportunity to talk about World Down Syndrome Day with John Ramsey on WAVE Listens Live on our local NBC affiliate. Above is the video of the segment and below are links regarding the topics we discussed.  Continue Reading

Dear future mom expecting a child with Down syndrome

I hope you'll join the million of others who have watched the above video, produced through a collaboration of organizations including the Jerome Lejeune Foundation and Saving Downs. I already expect what some will think of it. Here's what I have to say about that. Continue Reading

3 things about 3/18, National Trisomy 18 Awareness Day

Today is National Trisomy 18 Awareness Day, so chosen as "3/18" represents the genetic cause of Trisomy 18, a third copy of the 18th Chromosome. Here are three things about Trisomy 18. Continue Reading

You are not alone: people are working to make a better life for individuals with Down syndrome

This past weekend, I had the unexpected honor of receiving an award for my service as Down Syndrome of Louisville's past president. I share these remarks for a couple of reasons. Continue Reading

Our story: siblings, Down syndrome, & unexpected beauty

A good friend found this photo of my kids earlier this week and posted it to Facebook. I found myself transfixed by it. I wonder if you see what I see? Continue Reading