Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court ruled that genes cannot be patented. This may not stop competing NIPS labs from trying to enjoin their competitors. But, the ruling reveals a point that gets lost in the celebration of genomics. Continue Reading
June 12, 2013
The power of context to create a Down syndrome prenatal testing epidemic
In his National Bestseller, The Tipping Point: how little things can make a big difference, Malcolm Gladwell identifies three elements to creating an epidemic, from the spread of disease to a social trend. With two of the three being built into prenatal testing for Down syndrome, the final element will determine the tipping point of whether prenatal testing becomes an epidemic. Continue Reading
May 29, 2013
What to do with a poorly wrapped gift?
A featured letter to the editor posed a question that offers a different perspective on a prenatal test result for Down syndrome. Continue Reading
May 20, 2013
Webinar on Prenatal Testing for Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) has made available the webinar I presented on Down syndrome prenatal testing. The webinar covers the basics of prenatal testing, the newest form of prenatal testing for Down syndrome, the professional society statements of the ACMG, ACOG, ISPD, and NSGC, and the statements' comments on counseling about prenatal testing. The webinar is available for free to the public. You can access the webinar at this link. Register using the box on the lower left hand Continue Reading
May 15, 2013
NSGC on Down syndrome prenatal testing: What’s essential (and what’s not)
Three other professional organizations have issued statements on the newest form of prenatal testing for Down syndrome. But, the National Society of Genetic Counselors make clear what is essential information expectant mothers should receive. Continue Reading
May 13, 2013
Karen Gaffney, long-distance swimmer, advocate, receives doctorate of humane letters
I've written previously how medical professionals are instructed to be humble in predicting how Down syndrome may affect a life. Karen Gaffney's accomplishments certainly demonstrate the wisdom of this instruction. Continue Reading
May 9, 2013
Free Webinar Next Tuesday: New Prenatal Testing Recommendations
Next Tuesday, May 14, 2013, Down Syndrome of Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) is hosting a webinar where I am the presenter. The webinar will cover the recent professional statements on prenatal testing for Down syndrome. If you are like me and gain a new level of understanding hearing information presented to you, then this webinar should help further explain what I've been covering on the latest in prenatal testing for Down syndrome. DSAIA has graciously made the webinar available to the public Continue Reading
May 8, 2013
Really, you are not alone
Mother's Day is this Sunday. Here's a chance to provide a "lifeline" for expectant mothers. Continue Reading
May 6, 2013
You are not alone
Last Thursday, USA Today featured a front-age, below-the-fold story by Liz Szabo on the recent advances in Down syndrome prenatal testing. The report shares an important recommendation for those receiving a prenatal test result. Continue Reading
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