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More babies are being born each year. "It is often assumed that fewerbabies are now born with Down syndrome. This is not true - births of babieswith Down syndrome have risen 25% in 15 years in England. At the same time,life expectancy and quality of life continue to improve," says Frank Buckley,the charity's Chief Executive and co-author of the report. "More people areliving with Down syndrome than ever before with over 600,000 across Europeand North America and maybe 4 million worldwide. There is still much more todo, but people with Down syndrome are achieving more thanks to betterhealthcare, better opportunities and more effective teaching approaches."
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Although quality of life continues to improve for people with Downsyndrome, government policy requires that genetic screening is offered to allpregnant women, posing risks to up to 700,000 pregnancies each year. Around95% of all 'positive' screening results are wrong. Women who receive theseresults are encouraged to consider invasive tests. Between 1 in 100 and 1 in50 pregnancies tested in this way are miscarried as a result of the tests.
Down Syndrome Education International is calling for further research andbetter support for people living with Down syndrome. The charity is alsocalling for reviews of screening policies and wider debate about theacceptability of genetic screening for mental and physical abilities duringpregnancy.
About the report
Wrongful deaths and rightful lives - screening for Down syndrome by FrankBuckley and Sue Buckley will be published in Down Syndrome Research andPractice and online at Down Syndrome Online on 17 September 2008 at:http://www.down-syndrome.org/editorials/2087/
Further information
http://www.downsed.org/media/releases/2008/09/
Down Syndrome Education International
Down Syndrome Education International works to improve education foryoung people with Down syndrome through scientific research andevidence-based information and support services. The charity works withfamilies, teachers and therapists, researchers and support organisations inover 170 countries. Down Syndrome Education International's work helps over100,000 people with Down syndrome to achieve more every year.
Web site: http://www.downsed.org/
SOURCE Down Syndrome Education International
