Santorum says prenatal testing coverage encourages more women to have abortion
Obama re-election campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith called Santorum’s remarks “misinformed and dangerous.” She said the tests help bring about safer deliveries for mothers and[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].Federal health officials and doctors recommend that all pregnant women be offered blood tests and an ultrasound [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] that assess the risk of having a baby with a birth defect or genetic disorder, including Down syndrome. If a screening test raises concern, a woman may choose further testing, such as amniocentesis.
How did these [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] tests spark so much controversy?
—Some women don’t want the tests because they know they wouldn’t abort their fetus no matter what the results. Others who wouldn’t consider an abortion still want the tests, so they can be emotionally prepared and plan for a disabled baby’s more complicated care. Babies with Down syndrome can need specialized care at delivery that affects [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] hospital selection.
—Some [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] avoid amniocentesis, which involves withdrawing amniotic fluid with a needle, because of the small chance it[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] cause a miscarriage. There are less invasive tests available and newer ones on the way.
—As Santorum noted, studies show that in the vast majority of cases where amniocentesis reveals Down syndrome, women decide on abortion.
—Advocates for the disabled, including many parents of Down syndrome children, worry that couples are choosing abortion without fully considering that their child could lead a happy, fulfilling life. About one in 800 babies has Down syndrome, a condition in which having an extra chromosome causes mental retardation, a characteristic broad, flat face and, often, serious heart defects.
Obama re-election campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith called Santorum’s remarks “misinformed and dangerous.” She said the tests help bring about safer deliveries for mothers and[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].Federal health officials and doctors recommend that all pregnant women be offered blood tests and an ultrasound [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] that assess the risk of having a baby with a birth defect or genetic disorder, including Down syndrome. If a screening test raises concern, a woman may choose further testing, such as amniocentesis.
How did these [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] tests spark so much controversy?
—Some women don’t want the tests because they know they wouldn’t abort their fetus no matter what the results. Others who wouldn’t consider an abortion still want the tests, so they can be emotionally prepared and plan for a disabled baby’s more complicated care. Babies with Down syndrome can need specialized care at delivery that affects [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] hospital selection.
—Some [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] avoid amniocentesis, which involves withdrawing amniotic fluid with a needle, because of the small chance it[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] cause a miscarriage. There are less invasive tests available and newer ones on the way.
—As Santorum noted, studies show that in the vast majority of cases where amniocentesis reveals Down syndrome, women decide on abortion.
—Advocates for the disabled, including many parents of Down syndrome children, worry that couples are choosing abortion without fully considering that their child could lead a happy, fulfilling life. About one in 800 babies has Down syndrome, a condition in which having an extra chromosome causes mental retardation, a characteristic broad, flat face and, often, serious heart defects.