In yesterday's post, I covered why it is factually wrong to call Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) the "Holy Grail" of prenatal testing. Here's why it is ethically wrong to call it that. Continue Reading
August 19, 2013
Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening is not the Holy Grail of Prenatal Testing, and it’s wrong to call it that
Last week, I asked if Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) is the "Holy Grail" of prenatal testing? Here's Part I of why it's not and Part II will cover why it's wrong to call it that. Continue Reading
August 16, 2013
Is Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening the “Holy Grail” of Prenatal Testing?
In her recent blog post at the Huffington Post, Dr. Anne Drapkin Lyerly, a doctor who chaired ACOG's ethics committee, says she has found the "Holy Grail" of prenatal testing in Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS). Is she correct? Continue Reading
August 13, 2013
Adam Wolfberg’s research says don’t offer new testing for Down syndrome to all moms
Actually, Adam Wolfberg recently said just the opposite. But, Wolfberg’s own research doesn’t support his recommendation. Continue Reading
August 12, 2013
“We never thought for a moment we would aid in the eradication of Down syndrome”
NBC News's Health blog featured a long post on the new research that "turns off" the extra 21st Chromosome in Down syndrome. There are many things to learn from it. Continue Reading
August 1, 2013
“Not exactly a great scientific achievement”: prenatal testing in low risk populations
Yesterday's post generated a lot of discussion on Facebook and off-line about the role of maternal age and the incidence of Down syndrome. Today, we consider the value of prenatal screening for Down syndrome in relation to the mother's age. Continue Reading
July 29, 2013
Accuracy of Down syndrome blood test remains unknown
It is coming up on two years since Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) was introduced. The New England Journal of Medicine recently featured an article raising concern over how the new blood test for Down syndrome is being used. It cautions against the new test being used in the general population. Continue Reading
July 23, 2013
An incredibly complicated question … the most fundamental, existentialist question
Headlines and reporting continue to roll in on the news of scientists shutting off the extra 21st Chromosome in cells in a petri dish. In another column, a father ponders some of the same issues that have been on my mind with this news. Continue Reading
July 18, 2013
New research changes perspectives on Down syndrome
In an ironic twist, while traveling to present at a conference on prenatal testing and Down syndrome, news broke that they may have "fixed" Down syndrome. The reactions to this news may change perspectives on Down syndrome. Continue Reading
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