Blood test for Down’s syndrome has surprisingly accurate results
Doctor Suzanna Frints, a researcher and doctor at University Medical Center, Netherlands has conducted a study that has shown the ability to predict Downs Syndrome in a fetus with astounding accuracy. This simple blood test is a non invasive procedure that will harm neither mother nor fetus and could probably be performed for less than $40.00. This is a dramatic change when you consider the way the disorder is tested for now.
The first study has found to have had an 80% positive response. That is an unbelievably high percentage for the first round of testing. This means that the results were correct 8 out of 10 times. There are other tests on the market now that do not provide that good of results.
Dr. Frints hopes to expand the study and adjust the testing until she can reach 100% accuracy. She also hopes to be able to incorporate this same testing method to use for other disorders such as muscular dystrophy.
Several groups are opposed to this new test stating that knowing this accurate of information will lead to aborting children thought to carry Downs Syndrome. Women’s groups are cheering the test because the current testing procedures, amniocentesis or cillus sampling are invasive, painful and are the cause of many miscarriages. Doctors believe that this test will be able to better serve their patients by being able to provide accurate information about the disorder and about the pregnancy. As with any advancement in medicine, there will always be a group that is against the new acquired knowledge. 
Every time I look at my beeutiful daughter I thank G-d I did not know in advance. Women while pregnant are in a particularly vulnerable state of mind and doctors VERY OFTEN give the worst case scenario (like your photo, there, does not convey the beauty of most babies with Ds! They are so normal, most people cannot tell they have Ds till much later!). My daughter was born healthy, at home, and I was not subjected to months of unnecessary worry. That in and of itself- stress during pregnancy- can cause many problems. This new test should be called “Improved Eradicate Downs Babies Test” and offends me deeply. I look at my daughter and see the other 9 which did not make it. After this test, my baby will represent more like 20 aborted beautiful babies with Ds.
Every time I look at my beeutiful daughter I thank G-d I did not know in advance. Women while pregnant are in a particularly vulnerable state of mind and doctors VERY OFTEN give the worst case scenario (like your photo, there, does not convey the beauty of most babies with Ds! They are so normal, most people cannot tell they have Ds till much later!).
My daughter was born healthy, at home, and I was not subjected to months of unnecessary worry. She has no heart problem, no gastro problem, no palmar crease, and no toe gap. When you consider that stress during pregnancy can cause many problems, it probably is for the most part NOT best to know in advance.
This new test should be called “The-Improved-Hunt-and-Eradicate Downs Babies Test” and offends me deeply. Every time I look at my daughter my heart aches because I love her so much, and I see the other 9 perhaps just like her, which were aborted willfully and based on incorrect info from the medical profession- which seems to have a eugenics program firmly in place by the way. If this test becomes widespread, my baby will represent more like 20 aborted beautiful babies with Ds.
Loria, I understand how you feel and I am glad you are happy with the decision you have made. Unfortunately, not all women feel the same, like myself. I have 3 very healthy teenagers and a 1 yr old and currently pregnant with my last baby. I recently found out that my baby might be at risk for Down Syndrome or some other health problem which has sadden me and put me on the edge. I am not upset that the doctor has warned me about the risk, instead I am thankful. Too some women this test is very important…like it is for myself, because it allows women to make a weight their options and decide what is best for them and their life. Whatever I decided it will be a lifetime decision that I will have to live with and nobody else.