Older mothers linked to rise in Down syndrome foetuses

Melbourne Age 15 May 2008

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/older-mothers-linked-to-down-syndrome-foetuses/2008/05/14/1210764953600.html

Quote :

MORE pregnancies produce foetuses with Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities as Australian women wait until their late 30s and 40s to have children, a report says.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's latest report on congenital abnormalities in 2002 and 2003, issued yesterday, found that 2.6 foetuses in every 1000 now has Down syndrome, which causes mental retardation, learning difficulties and physical impairment.

Am I being sensitive or does this description of DS read like something from a 1970's textbook, the worse thing that could ever happen to a child?

um, yeah, I don't think we use the 'r' word these days....not for everyday use anyway....

I *just* got off the phone to hubby reading the article to me from the West Austrailan from yesterday!!

Argh, the thing that annoys me most is the numbers.....IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT NUMBERS......

Why can't they do a report saying, "Since the 80s, the life expectancy of people with DS has increased x% (something like 300% I think - if they want some positive numbers) and with mainstream schooling and fantastic early intervention programs, people with DS are now able to live fulfilled lives, live independently, work, marry etc etc etc"



Cas

Hi There

Grab the west australian today and read page 13, you might be surprised at the counter story to the one written the other day It is written by mum's of DS bubs.....

Skippy

Quote :

Grab the west australian today and read page 13,

Is there a link for it, for all us who dont live in WA

Hi

Not at this stage can't seem to find it on thewest.com.au site, but will try and find it for you.

Skippy

Quote :

"The high abortion rate is disappointing but many parents tell us they are pushed into making a decision quickly to proceed or terminate as they are diagnosed and they are not always offered balanced information on Down syndrome," said Jill O'Connor from Down Syndrome NSW.
"We just want people to seek out proper advice before they go down that road."

I wonder, if ever, things are going to change
Thanx Skippy, hope you can find it. Or you could type the whole artical for us

I certanly will not let Chezzy read that article, he would be very upset/angree to read the description of his persona.

Iceland Review Online

One young lady with Down Syndrome had something to say about this.

Quote :

...Halldóra said she had heard that fetuses diagnosed with chromosome failure were often aborted. That is, fetuses that are likely to be born with Down syndrome. The topic is discussed in the media every now and then.

Halldóra does obviously not agree that chromosome failure is a reason for abortion. She feels that fetuses with Down syndrome have a right to live. That is, people like her...

read more...