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
May 13, 2018
DSPTP Episode 3: Happy Mother’s Day
In episode 3, in honor of Mother's Day, I talk about the miracle of life, how more moms than ever are choosing to have a child with Down syndrome, and the important role moms play in supporting so many other families. Continue Reading
August 16, 2017
Persistent challenges: bigotry and ethical prenatal testing
A visit to National Park sites, a presentation to medical professionals in Kansas City, a violent protest in Charlottesville, and a news report out of Iceland all came together in less than a week as a reminder of the persistent challenge of our bigotry against our fellow human beings. Continue Reading
October 13, 2016
GONE: estimate reduced by 20% of people with Down syndrome in United States
In 2013, researchers estimated that the total number of people living in the United States was 40% less than the historically cited number. Three years later, that estimate has been revised down further by 20%. Continue Reading
May 12, 2016
Mary Harris’ Only Human on Down syndrome prenatal testing: corrections and appreciation
Mary Harris reported on a woman that launched the search for a prenatal test for Down syndrome. While some key corrections should be made for any future reports, overall, Harris' is a piece of reporting to be appreciated. Continue Reading
May 5, 2016
For medical elites, prenatal testing for Down syndrome is to allow for abortion
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have issued new guidelines on the administration of prenatal screening and diagnostic testing. A critical reading of the guidelines makes clear that the justifications given for prenatal testing are limited in the case of Down syndrome to allowing for aborting the pregnancy and that preserving the availability of abortion as an option is the primary concern in the administration of prenatal Continue Reading
March 10, 2016
What does your cell free DNA screen result for Down syndrome mean?
This is a question that gets asked at least once a week in a comment to one of the hundreds of posts on this blog: my blood test just came back for Down syndrome--what does it mean? Fortunately, there's an on-line tool to help understand these results. Continue Reading
February 17, 2016
Envisioning a life with a child with Down syndrome
Envisioning a life with a child with Down syndrome is one of the biggest challenges for most expectant parents receiving a prenatal test result. Here's how the testing laboratories' images frame that future and what resources are available to help patients see the possibilities of a future with a child with Down syndrome. Continue Reading
Recent Comments