Technology keeps advancing and advancing. The amount of tests that a pregnant woman goes through is never ending.
One such test is a test that determines if your child has the chromosome that could cause them to be born with Down Syndrome. Let me explain that I have had several friends over the years that the doctors informed them that their children would be born with Downs.
The amount of actual babies born to my friends with Downs is zero. I have to believe in a higher power that has the best interests for those involved at heart.
Today, I find myself deeply saddened by the results of this technology. Originally, when these tests were first brought out for pregnant women, it was as a precaution so that every resource could be prepared to offer the best benefits to the baby.
For example, one of my good friends in college had a brother with Downs. His mom became pregnant later in life which increases the risk of having a child born with Downs. She found out before that her baby had the possibility of Downs.
What did this mean? They had the best surgeons awaiting the birth. The baby was taken immediately, given surgery to reduce the size of its tongue, given the best care possible. Today, it is hard to even know he has Downs. That is the purpose of technology and the test. He has been able to live a life to the fullest capacity just like every other baby born into this world.
Instead, The Washington Post reports that 92 percent of women who learn they are carrying babies with Down Syndrome choose to abort the baby. That is more than nine out of ten women!
Why is this scary? That is with the current test for Downs that is very invasive leaving many women not to test. Science Daily is reporting that the number of diagnosis will increase with a simple blood test.
According to AlberMohler.com, the new research is based on work by Dr. Brian Skotko, a clinical genetics fellow at Children's Hospital Boston. Skotko, who has a sister with Down syndrome, asks this haunting question: "As new tests become available, will babies with Down syndrome slowly disappear?"
When I first saw this, I was in shock. I have known so many kids with Downs and their lives have had such an impact on so many. My junior high and high school coach's son had Downs. I still remember playing endlessly with him on bus trips and at games. His smile was amazing! He broke down people's fears in our small town and became greatly loved by everyone.
I can't imagine a world without Down Syndrome babies. Can you? Would you want to?
Resources
http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/09/18/will-babies-with-down-syndrome-just-disappear/
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/checkup/2009/09/will_down_syndrome_disappear.html?wprss=checkup
