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The Sixth Circuit Concurrences — Novel Theories Beyond Abortion Precedence

A previous post covered the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Ohio's "Down syndrome Abortion Ban" law that I expect will lead to Supreme Court review. In this post, I cover the four concurring opinions, several of which offer novel theories beyond abortion precedence for evaluating these laws. Continue Reading

Ch. 4, Part 5: Down syndrome & intellectual disability

Central State Hospital, Milledgeville State Hospital, the largest institution in the world at one point The first sections of Chapter 5 addressed the very basics of what Down syndrome is and why it is called what it is. The next sections will cover the common factors associated with Down syndrome, beginning with intellectual disability. Continue Reading

COVID-19 Vaccine: the next risk of discrimination against Down syndrome

The COVID-19 vaccine will begin being administered in the third week of December in the United States. This presents the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic that risks discrimination against those with Down syndrome (and those who care for them). Continue Reading

Ch. 3, Part 1: Abortion & Fast Times in High School

This image will make sense if you read the post Chapter Three of the serially-posted book I'm working on examines the choice most women make after receiving a prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome: abortion. It begins with my own experience in high school. Continue Reading

Counting Blessings During One of the Worst Years Ever

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

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

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

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

Chapter 2, Part 8: The ethical bedrock for prenatal genetic testing is shifting sand

So the headline ran after ACOG changed its guidelines for prenatal genetic testing. Um, except that's not what "Doctors say." It's just how everyone understands what ACOG meant when it changed the standard of care for when women are to be offered prenatal genetic testing. Continue Reading