There has been a bunch of articles posted lately that I have run across. These articles have all dealt with the same general topic: life. More specifically they have been focused on the new MaterniT21 genetic screening (manufactured by Sequenom). A blood test designed to be administered early on in a woman's pregnancy with the intention of screening out wether a woman is carrying a child with one of three types of Trisomy; Trisomy 21 (most common form of Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. Yes, there has been genetic screening around for sometime now, but as most women know - the accuracy rate is weak and many times yields a false positive - it (CVS panel) is also typically given a bit later in the pregnancy. The other option available for screening is an amniocentesis - which is quite invasive and comes with the danger of miscarriage. So ... you can imagine the hype amongst the medical community once this new test became approved and available this last fall. Even though the test costs a whopping $1200/testing the hope is that insurance will eventually work to cover the cost given the amounts of money they will eventually save in diagnosing Down syndrome iand giving women the option of abortion much earlier on in their pregnancy.
I can't tell you how this new test grieves my heart. Already, even with the inaccurate testing available, the termination rate amongst those women receiving a prenatal Ds diagnosis is above that of 90%. Now, just for a moment, think. What do you think will happen now that there is a test available known for it's accuracy, as well as it's ability to yield results as early as ten weeks gestation? Do you think that statistic will increase or decrease?
The answer is so very clear.
Some may say that this is just a better way of being more prepared. I wish it were that simple. However, while that may be the intent of some - statistics show that most are using the already existing tests as a way to weed out the children that they deem not acceptable, or too burdensome. If a woman is tested sooner in her pregnancy, before she is even showing, before she has had the time to become really emotionally connected to the growing baby inside her - I can't help but imagine that the prospect of abortion is a little bit more acceptable to her.
The bigger picture?
What about the Down syndrome community as a whole? What is the world afraid of? The widely accepted view that those with Ds are gentle spirits? The fact that those around them tend to claim a more enriched life? Is the world so frightened by the absolute love in this people that it is too unbearable? If already 90% of those diagnosed prenatally are aborting, what will happen to the population of those with Ds after this new and improved test becomes more widely used?
When I look into his eyes, I see nothing frightening. I see joy, love, potential, a sweet spirit, and an absolute blessing that has touched the lives of so many people and changed perspectives in a profound way.
But ... for every one of Justus' you see ... there are nine others that were not allowed an opportunity of life. Their families never realized that joy, love, or potential. They were gripped by fear of the unknown and a test allowed them a way out.
This new test promises a much earlier opportunity for that way out ....
... and for many more children to never have that chance of life.
