4 September 2007
Dear Sir,
Catherine Bianco’s experience is not unusual (Pressure on parents to 'have the tests', 3 September). The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities carried out a preliminary study that showed that antenatal screening is often presented as a routine procedure, but if a test detects a fetal abnormality many expectant parents still encounter negative attitudes towards disability from hospital staff.
From the study we know that midwives and obstetricians often feel hampered by a lack of balanced, up-to-date information about what it is like to raise a child with a disability. To tackle this, the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities is carrying out a much larger study – and if the results confirm what we already know – then we will work to improve the training given to health care professionals who offer antenatal 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 expectant parents make their own decisions based on the best possible information and advice. We are very keen to hear the anonymous views of parents and healthcare professionals.
Alison Giraud-Saunders
Co-Director
The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
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