Researchers at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin, Ireland, announced a new screening test last week to detect Down syndrome in first-trimester fetuses. If the results of the test are positive, a woman can then choose to have further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
The new test, a combination of a blood test and ultrasound, is successful enough that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists will update its prenatal screening advice to include information about it. Some people are concerned, however, that such information will lead to selective abortions. Others argue that at least such abortions would be at an earlier stage, when it is less risky and traumatic. They add that the test will in any case allow women to prepare themselves earlier for raising a child with Down syndrome, or will ease their minds earlier if the results are negative.
(Usual disclaimer: I’m not a physician. If you’re interested in further information, talk with your doctor.)