Why is there a demand for prenatal genetic testing? In large part, due to the ethically problematic laboratory marketing efforts aimed at creating that demand.
Continue reading... June 17, 2019
Stop taxpayer subsidizing NIPT, unless and until …
Public health dollars should not be spent on noninvasive prenatal testing(NIPT) unless and until the following happens.
Continue reading... April 25, 2019
All met some, none met all: Labs adherence to reporting guidelines for prenatal testing
A study of cell free DNA testing laboratories adherence to medical guidelines made the following finding: all met some of the guidelines, none met all of the guidelines.
Continue reading... March 27, 2019
Sec. DeVos: Fund Special Olympics (& many other programs) with Cuts to Medicaid for Prenatal Genetic Testing
Secretary Betsy DeVos has drawn stinging criticism for her latest budget proposal for eliminating funding for Special Olympics programs at schools. There is a much larger budget item that would fund those and many other programs that benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities: Medicaid funding for prenatal genetic testing for Down syndrome.
Continue reading... March 21, 2019
World Down Syndrome Day: Preserving a Positive in this World
Today, March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day. A day chosen for its numeric representation of the cause for Down syndrome: 3/21 representing the triplicate of the 21st Chromosome. It is a day to raise awareness about those living with the condition. More should be aware of the positive force that those with Down syndrome are in this world.
Continue reading... February 4, 2019
Episode 4: Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action
In episode four, I discuss the history, mission, and value of a great organization: Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action.
Continue reading... January 23, 2019
No lie can live forever
Throughout our trip, I reflected on what are the civil rights injustices occurring today. I expect readers will have an immediate word association with the news of our time: immigration, LGTBQ and transgender, police brutality and mass incarceration. But, given the focus of this blog, not surprisingly, I thought of the continued, systematic discrimination against those with Down syndrome, specifically as it informs prenatal care policy decisions.
Continue reading... January 7, 2019
People with Down syndrome are lifelong learners (just like everyone else)
New research finds that people with Down syndrome continue to learn throughout their lives and can add functional skills in adult years. Just like the rest of us, they are lifelong learners.
Continue reading... October 4, 2018
Our Story: the value of encouragement
Over Labor Day weekend, the kids and I visited the Great Smoky Mountains. Here’s some thoughts that came to me while we were on our most demanding hike, yet.
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