When prenatal testing shows Down Syndrome. From Focus on the Family.
biomedical ethics: June 2004 Archives
In New Tests for Fetal Defects, Agonizing Choices says the NY Times.
One of the things I sometimes resent is that I am required to offer all kinds of genetic screening and testing. For now, at least, parents have the right to refuse any of these tests. However, most people don't realize that one of the purposes of US is to screen for anatomic anomalies. It isn't just about getting a pretty picture or finding out 'boy or girl?'.
The majority of couples who find out they have a baby with major problems do indeed abort. It takes a rare amount of courage and lots of support to fight against the culture of perfection. I am often surprised by who makes what choice.
One thing I need to write and publish is a little brochure that talks about what you can do after getting bad news about an unborn baby.
Please keep praying for my sister in law. She may end up in the same physical condition as Terry Schiavo - but with a great big exception. She has a husband who loves and cherishes her.
It is rough for me only getting little gleanings of the medical facts. But I just learned that she was baptized Easter vigil 2002, and that she was given the Sacrament of the Anointing at the earliest possible point after her collapse. I have also learned that her parish priest is a wonderful faithful convert to the faith, and that he has been visiting and praying with the family daily. So I am comforted about her spiritual state, as much as possible for one on the outside. Yet I am still praying for a miracle of physical healing.
Mark over at Vociferous Yawpings has some additional input to the discussion begun below.
