It seems that whenever prenatal testing for Down syndrome is discussed (whether in the news or in the doctor's office) the perceived reason for having the testing would be to decide to terminate the pregnancy if there were an adverse diagnosis ("A prenatal test to detect Down syndrome earlier," June 12).
I find this on both sides -- "Why would I have testing? I wouldn't do anything differently."
When I went for my amnio seven years ago, the only information I was initially told was how a baby with Down syndrome would be different from other children, and I left the office with a long list of ailments that my child was at a greater risk of having.
Why do we limit such an important tool?
Earlier, less invasive tests are a good thing. There is much that expectant parents of a child with a disability can do to prepare.
In our case, we were able to switch hospitals, look for related medical issues, tell our families and friends and, most important, prepare emotionally and get educated about Down syndrome.
I don't know how I would have taken in so much information in a postpartum haze, let alone make sense of it. Although my pregnancy was hard emotionally, I am so grateful that we were able to joyfully welcome our son -- believe me, I had already exhausted my tears.
He is a beautiful boy who has deeply enriched our lives.
