Of Media and Men...Down Syndrome Evangelists

Yesterday in the New York Times there was a front page story about first trimester screening for chromosomal diseases and the families of children with Down Syndrome. These families are inviting pregnant women who test positive to come meet their children with Down Syndrome. They do this in hopes of showing the pregnant woman what it is like to have a child with Down Syndrome.

I normally don't get too heated about the media. There are things I generally accept regarding the old media and genetics

1. They have people reviewing the science who have little if any genetic qualifications


2. They hype everything


3. They always look for a protagonist antagonist situation


4. They never look to support personal choice (Trust me they already have chosen for you)

So with that in mind I invite you to read this article if you haven't already. I would like to give you a little snippet here:

"The parent evangelists are driven by a deep-seated fear for their children’s well-being in a world where there are fewer people like them. But as prenatal tests become available for a range of other perceived genetic imperfections, they may also be heralding a broader cultural skirmish over where to draw the line between preventing disability and accepting human diversity."

Come on now NYT, word choice is everything here and it is clear that this paper feels strongly NOT in favor of these parents.

"They are pressing obstetricians to send them couples who have been given a prenatal diagnosis and inviting prospective parents into their homes to meet their children."

I have a hard time pressing obstetricians to refer for genetic counseling. I have a hard time believing that these parents are even given the time of day by the Ob/Gyn, let alone being influenced or bullied.

The Gene Sherpa says: In the spirit of non-directive genetic counseling (something I rarely see CGCs do completely and something I wonder if the public even wants) we should offer all options to the patient. This public forum/support group could be mentioned just as easy as a D&E. In fact I think all options should be on the table PRIOR to testing.

Read the article and let me know how you feel.