Norman Rockwell, Freedom from Want Thanksgiving is upon us. Despite this being one of the worst years ever, there remains much to be thankful for. Continue Reading
November 23, 2020
Ch. 2, Part 10: A “serious concern” about cell free DNA screening
One of these things is not like the other And so we have arrived at the final section of Chapter Two's disquisition on prenatal genetic testing for Down syndrome. It covers how once cell free DNA screening entered the marketplace, professional medical organizations and researchers expressed "serious concern" about its misleading marketing and rapid adoption in clinical practice. But, in just a few years, the professional medical organizations all fell in line with recommending offering cell Continue Reading
November 19, 2020
The Atlantic Article & the Choice that led to the Disappearance of Down Syndrome
The Atlantic published an article on November 18, 2020 entitled "The Last Children of Down Syndrome", that has already flown around social media to rave reviews. Here's some of the new information shared and what it missed was the choice that led to the disappearance of Down syndrome. Continue Reading
November 11, 2020
New Visions of Possibilities: Vice President Kamala Harris & Ironman Athlete with Down syndrome Chris Nikic
Vice President-Elect Harris & Ironman Athlete Chris Nikic Saturday, November 7, 2020, was a day of several firsts, providing new visions of what is possible for groups that have for too long been burdened by low expectations. Continue Reading
November 2, 2020
Ch. 2, Part 9: Your MaterniT21, Panorama, Harmony, or verifi screen result is NOT 99% Accurate for Down syndrome
Here is the penultimate section of Chapter Two's exposition on prenatal genetic testing. The previous installments of this serialized book can be accessed at this link. In this second-to-last section, I detail how, for all the marketing claims that tests like MaterniT21, Harmony, et al. are "99% accurate", for moms 30 and younger, they really are as accurate as a coin flip. Continue Reading
October 27, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett: First Supreme Court Justice with a child with Down syndrome
With the Senate confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, she will be the first mother of a child with Down syndrome to serve in that high office. What will that mean for people with Down syndrome and those who care about them? Continue Reading
October 26, 2020
Caregivers to individuals with Down syndrome should “shield” them from COVID-19
CNN reported at the end of October on a study finding that people with Down syndrome have a 10-fold greater risk of dying from COVID-19. More evidence why caregivers should shield their loved ones with Down syndrome from this awful virus. Continue Reading
October 19, 2020
Ch. 2, Part 9: What MaterniT21, Harmony, Panorama, and verifi are actually testing
In the course of Chapter 2's exploration of prenatal genetic testing, we finally arrive at cell free DNA screening and what exactly tests like MaterniT21, Harmony, and Panorama are actually testing. Continue Reading
October 13, 2020
Is Judge Amy Coney Barrett “Hostile” to Disability Rights?
Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett at the second day of her confirmation hearing (Photo by Alex Edelman / AFP) (Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images) Dozens of disability rights groups have publicly objected to Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court. They claim that her record displays a "hostility" to rights important to those with disabilities. Will she be given an opportunity to address this charge during her confirmation hearing? Continue Reading
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