Health

Steep rise in Down's Syndrome pregnancies

by generaldecay | October 27, 2009 at 02:49 am

197 views | 48 Recommendations | 5 comments

The number of Down's syndrome pregnancies has risen by more than 70% over the last 20 years, university researchers say. The sharp rise reflects the growing number of older women becoming pregnant, when there is a higher risk.

The societal trend of women delaying having children is certainly valid so the findings of the research are arguably not surprising. However, the increase in Downs pregnancies is not leading to an increase in Downs births because over 90% of women are choosing to abort when they learn that the foetus has Downs.

The subsequent abortion rate of more than 90% and more antenatal diagnoses means slightly fewer children are being born with the condition.
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The risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome is one in 940 for a woman aged 30. But by age 40, the risk rises to one in 85.

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Beaulieu

at 07:28 on October 27th, 2009

It is a bit sad that they choose to abort just because they have Downs. Sometimes they are a lot nicer kids.

Roy C

at 08:21 on October 27th, 2009

ADS, "attention deficit syndrome", and autism are also on the rise, maybe because of aging eggs, or maybe because of a decrease in available stores of essential omega-3 fats at the disposal of the fetus for its brain.

a211423

at 08:33 on October 27th, 2009

Chosing to have an abortion is a difficult one for any woman, particularly if its a planned pregnancy. This must be heart wrenching for women who have waited to become pregnant in their 40s. It's sad because many times these women probably are in stable relationships and chosing to have a baby is well thought out.

bettermaker (not verified)

at 12:07 on October 27th, 2009

Down's Syndrome children might make this world a better place, teaching us humility, acceptance, and to love. It's sad that they are so often aborted. They might make the household a happier place.