Lecture 3 - a world without down syndrome Flashcards
(22 cards)
What are the majority of families with a person with Down syndrome?
Happy
In the last 10 years, what has happened to the number of people that terminate?
- increased by 40%
- 9/10 people terminate if they have Down syndrome
What do doctors consider Down syndrome?
A burden
Up till how long can a pregnancy be terminated?
Until Birth - considered a severe disability
What are some features of people with Down syndrome?
- smaller
- smaller mouths
- almond shaped eyes
- learning disability
There is much variety
How many people have Down syndrome?
40,000
What have some people done, in regards to screening?
Some people have opt out of screening, while some people feel pressured by medical professionals to screen
What has an increase in screening temporally coincided with?
With people with Down syndrome achieving more than ever
When were people with Down syndrome allowed in mainstream school?
1981
Educationally, what has been set up for people with Down syndrome?
Speech and language classes
What can 80% of people with Down syndrome do with the right support?
Learn to read
What is amniocentesis?
A test in which fluid is collected from the amniotic sac
What accuracy does NIPT have?
99%
If society cannot look after someone, who is responsible?
It is the fault of society not the person
What has occurred in Iceland regarding termination rate of pregnant mothers with a suspected baby with Down syndrome?
over the last 5 years, 100% of people have chosen to terminate
What can Iceland predict?
The genetic code of all 300,000 civilians
What is the abortion of foetuses with Down syndrome considered?
merciless - considered a ‘win’
How do parents that have a child with Down syndrome feel?
They do not regret have a child
What is a problem that the councilors that mothers of a child with Down syndrome are directed to?
They are not experts of Down syndrome at all
Is choice always brilliant?
Would’ve chosen to terminate but now happy. Should science have morality
What is the risk of Down’s syndrome for a 41 year old pregnant woman?
1/150
Can non-disjunction at mitosis cause Down Syndrome?
Yes - it is usually caused by meiosis - but can be caused by errors in mitosis during very early development
