I also discovered something intereseting that is related. Here are the statistics on the likelihood of having a child with Down Syndrome versus the mother's age:
- under 30: less than 1 in 1000
- 30: 1 in 900
- 35: 1 in 400
- 36: 1 in 300
- 37: 1 in 230
- 38: 1 in 180
- 39: 1 in 135
- 40: 1 in 105
- 42: 1 in 60
- 44: 1 in 35
- 46: 1 in 20
- 48: 1 in 16
- 49: 1 in 12
One other interesting thing the article raised was that if one of the purposes of prenatal screening is to reduce the frequency of disabilities, what does that say about all the people who currently have disabilities?
Daniel
5 comments:
Interesting debate, Daniel! I would be more interested in knowing the Canadian statistic for women who have an abortion following a Down's syndrome positive test for the foetus. Read a little further down in the article-- about how Down's babies are at high risk for other disorders, like congenital heart disease. When I worked at skickkids, in heart transplant and cardiology, this was glaringly apparent amongst the children on the ward. So Daniel, it is not always about whether or not to keep the baby with Downs.
The information stated is American. I ask, then, how much do you think it costs in the United States to support a child with Down's Syndrome through all of their medical treatment and other supportive treatments without private health insurance? Even with insurance often 100% of costs are not covered. What if the child has a life-threatening heart defect on top of that?
I think this is more of the issue here... but that's just my opinion.
Thanks for your comment Natalia... I'm not suggesting that the only issue is whether to keep the baby. Mostly I'm providing information. What I am suggesting, though, is that there are some socially opposed facts, such as the huge increase in abortions for such cases versus the overwhelming demand to adpot babies with Down Syndrome. I think I'm trying to get at the relative value people place on those with Down Syndrome in society, as I think there's much fear involved (as may be evidenced by the increased abortion rate). I would be interested in hearing some statistics on medical costs, because I don't presume to know. It is true that they would require more medical care and support than others would (see this PDF, page 18) and indeed it may be significant, but I think it is more likely that with an amount of assistance that is not extreme, parents and families could still manage effectively, and it could be and is still worth it for many. There is research that also questions some of the costs, but more notably the negative views on value and quality of life that I think are presumed by many, for example, this paper.
Daniel, I love how you say you recently "discovered" the trend whereby risk of D.S. increases with age of the mother. Actually, I told you about this years ago, when we were in high school, you silly boy. So you actually discovered it a long time ago.
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to read the article yet, but thought I'd just post a general comment.
I was always fascinated by why this trend would occur. Some theorize the buildup of toxins within the ova, other attribute it to the age of the ova (ie: they start to break down and mistakes are more likely during mitosis in older, more toxic ova). I haven't heard any strong evidence yet. I haven't read much on the subject lately, and my experience is mostly around teaching children with trisomy 21, but if anyone has heard more theories, please comment!
On a more personal note, as someone who thinks about pregrancy alot (mainly, about NOT getting pregnant - ever!), I have to say that choosing whether to abort a fetus must be the most difficult decision in the world. Do the parents believe their child will suffer irreparable harm by living with their genetic condition? Or do the parents believe their own lives will be too difficult (socially, mentally, physically and financially)? Is the severity important? For example, a child with Down Syndrome's mental retardation can vary greatly. A child may require constant care, or may be able to live on their own. What about a child destined to live in terrible agony (one with spina bifida for example)?
On the other hand, many rape victims, or other women who have unplanned pregnancies may abort their fetuses who are completely healthy. They abort for various other reasons: a child at that age/time/ will simply inconvenience a parent, the child is a reminder of a traumatic event etc.
There are many reasons whereby women have abortions. Some are more mind benders (my child has a severe genetic disorder) and some are not (i wanted a child next year, this year is not a good time).
We could get into a discussion about whether the fetus is a person or not, but its been done. My question is: can someone who aborts a child with a severe genetic disorder and someone who aborts a healthy child be discussed in the same way? I guess in a way it does go back to the moral and medical question of abortion.
Apologies! Just to make sure-- I am not trying to raise hell about the abortion debate. Medical stuff just interests me so you will get a lot of comments from me this round!
Another thought-- The increasing number of abortions for these cases may actually be linked to an increase in cases overall, so the actual % of abortions would be the same (or similar). This could make sense with the overall trend of increasing age of moms.
Interesting too that adoptions tend to happen with younger women (women having babies at a young age) so less chance of a Down's baby overall.
Maybe the reluctance to put a baby up for adoption among older moms has more to do with the context or situation. Older moms may be more likely to be with a partner (an assumption) and planning a family (an assumtion too) this might be why there is a decision to abort rather than carry to term and adopt.
Lastly, the increase in desire for adopting Down's babies is also interesting... I hope that would extent to babies with other ailments!
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