Nearly 6,000 controversial tests for Down syndrome

Nearly 6,000 pregnant women use blood test for trisomy 21 detection in their unborn child

08/23/2013

Since the introduction of the controversial prenatal blood test to determine a trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in unborn children, according to the manufacturer LifeCodexx nearly 6000 pregnant women have the possibility of such an investigation. „The vast majority of women (about 98 percent) could be taken by an inconspicuous test result, the psychological burden of worry and uncertainty“, reports LifeCodexx. However, the company made no statements about the abortions after a positive test result.

The advantages of the blood test are obvious in the opinion of the manufacturer. Without intervention in the womb a determination of the Trisomie 21 becomes possible, meanwhile also the Trisomie 13 and 18 can be proven with the test in addition. Demand was relatively high in the first year after the test was launched, according to LifeCodexx „Almost half of the blood tests performed were commissioned by German practices and clinics“ has been. Around a quarter of the blood samples came from Switzerland and another quarter from other European countries.

Criticism of the Down syndrome blood test
While the manufacturer understandably puts the benefits of its product to the forefront, Caritas Disability Assistance and other disability associations see the blood test as extremely critical. In your „Bonn Declaration“ has the Caritas Disability Assistance explicitly on the „social dangers“ noted the trisomy blood test. The opened with the test „Selection Options“ would that „Continue to increase pressure on mothers who are pregnant with a disabled child.“ This increases the likelihood that women will decide to stop their pregnancy in the event of imminent disability in their unborn children. The Caritas Disability Aid refuses such blood tests that lead to the prevention of life that does not meet self-imposed norms. Here, too, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities must be taken into account with the fundamental right of life guaranteed by persons with disabilities.

Politics and society are called upon „to strongly advocate for a society of diversity that also welcomes children with genetic disabilities in their midst“, declared the Caritas Disability Assistance. Here expectant parents of children with congenital disabilities need all the support to be able to decide for the life of their disabled child and „Any form of public social pressure on parents of disabled children must be countered“, so the conclusion of the Caritas Disability Assistance. (Fp)

Picture credits: Andrea Damm