The Nuffield Council on Bioethics have set-up a working group to explore the ethical, legal and regulatory implications of recent and potential future scientific developments in non-invasive prenatal testing, including its use in both NHS and commercial services. They are currently gathering views and evidence on this...
We have just received the surprising news, to mixed reception, that Jeremy Hunt has been spared his job and will remain Secretary of State for Health. In response, this afternoon, we have launched an open letter to Jeremy Hunt demanding that his department stop ignoring the concerns...
When BETH BEAUMONT EPSTEIN was born her parents were told she would never learn to read. Now, at 15, she has aspirations to go to university. Her mother HENNY explains the need for less negativity towards Down’s Syndrome It’s 4pm on a weekday afternoon, and Beth Beaumont...
Nigel Evans MP has launched an Early Day Motion which calls on the Government to delay implementation of cfDNA screening until reforms are introduced that adequately deliver early and comprehensive support for children with Down’s and their families; and urges that a formal inquiry be...
People with Down’s syndrome, their families and advocacy groups are concerned that the 2015 abortion statistics released today show an increase in the number of abortions for Down’s syndrome. The statistics show an increase from 662 abortion for Down’s Syndrome in 2014 to 689 in 2015....
Actress Sally Phillips, best known for her role in the Bridget Jones movies, spoke out in an interview with the BBC about a new screening technique to detect Down syndrome, which the UK’s Secretary of Health Jeremy Hunt is deciding when and how to implement. Phillips...
The Department of Health is about to approve a scheme designed to bring about a world in which people like my youngest daughter will cease to exist. In January, the National Screening Committee cleared a new blood test for expectant mothers, said to be almost 99...
A new screening could eliminate children with Down's syndrome – but few people want to talk about it. The question women least expect to hear when they have just given birth to a baby is: “And will you be taking her home?” But that’s what someone close...
BBC Thought of The Day features John Bell reflecting on the place of people with Down's syndrome in our society. Sally Phillips' discussion on new pre-natal test on Thursday on the Today Show inspired this piece. My earliest memories of children with Down’s syndrome still embarrasses...
A growing number of influential figures have spoken out about their concern over a new screening test for Down’s syndrome which could see 92 more babies with the condition being screened out by termination every year. At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, David Cameron responded to...