SOCI 138 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Chorionic Villus Sampling, Termination Rates, Prenatal Diagnosis
Document Summary
Testing a fetus"s chromosomes or dna usually for genetic disorders or sex. Amniocentesis was introduced in 1966 and effectively combined with ultrasound in the early 70s. Chorionic villus sampling was first performed in 1983. In 1973, roe v. wade gave prenatal testing a powerful rationale: selective termination of pregnancies when a genetic disorder is detected. Prenatal testing also allows parents and professionals to prepare for a sick or disabled newborn. A dilemma for down syndrome advocates: how should they respond to prenatal. A recent paper showed a ~30% decrease in the us down syndrome birth rate due to selective termination before the introduction of nipt. Other studies have found similar results in other countries. 55% for australia 48% for the uk and almost 100% in denmark and. Termination rates and down syndrome prevalence in the us vary by region race. But declines in birthrates are largely counteracted by the increase caused by increased average maternal age.
