18 May 2007
Dear Sir,
I was deeply concerned to read that fetal screening tests can now be purchased through the Internet (Online foetal tests under fire, 12 May). Screening is too often presented as a routine procedure, but if a test detects a fetal abnormality a pregnant woman should not be expected to deal with the information without support.
Expectant mothers and their partners need to be given balanced information about what it would be like to raise a child with a condition such as Down syndrome, so they can make an informed decision.
Sadly, many women still encounter negative attitudes towards disability. To tackle this, the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is paying for research on how to improve information for parents and for health care professionals and how to improve the training for those who offer screening.
It is not for us to say whether someone should choose to raise a disabled child or not, but we do want to make sure that people make their own decisions based on the best possible information – and that they have proper support.
Alison Giraud-Saunders
Co-Director
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
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