The Ethics of Choice:

Some parents object to any or some forms of genetic disorder testing.  This can be for a variety of reasons:

• Some parents choose not to allow any risk of damaging the foetus during an invasive test.

• The parents may take a strong "anti-abortion" stance and have decided that whatever is discovered, they would never terminate the pregnancy, therefore they do not need to know.  

• Some women cannot stand the use of needles. 

• Some religions do not allow certain forms of intrusive modern medicine to be used.

• Others may simply not want to know if there is anything wrong and prefer ignorance to any form of stress (known as "Head in the Sand" Syndrome).

NOTE:  In the second point above (anti-abortion stance), it should be noted that many people who discover that they have a child with a genetic disorder (such as Down Syndrome) often decide to continue with the pregnancy.   The fact that they discovered the information early on in the pregnancy allows them to prepare for the lifestyle changes that inevitably follow by collecting information and contacting support groups in their area which can be of great assistance under these circumstances.

This article explains the following test procedures; 'The Triple Test' (also known as 'AFP Plus' or 'Multiple Marker Screening'), Amniocentesis and CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling)

Part 2 of this article Genetic Disorders continues the subject with a look at several genetic disorders that can manifest themselves, many of which can be discovered by use of the tests described here.

Introduction

1. The Triple Test - Overview

2. The Triple Test - Detail and Results

3. Amniocentesis

4. CVS