Births with Down's Syndrome Increase

 
A right to live: a child with Down's
sydrome; © DSA

The number of babies in England and Wales being born with Down's syndrome has risen to a higher level than in 1989 when serum pre-natal screening was widely introduced - with two births a day according to the latest figures.

And in an attempt to understand why more women are opting to go ahead with their pregnancies the Down's Syndrome Association has consulted parent members. The results, released in a Radio 4 documentary, "Born with Down's Syndrome", show that many believe the quality of life for people with Down's syndrome will be better than in the past and that those with Down's syndrome are more accepted in society.

Following the introduction of screening for Down's syndrome in 1989, the number of babies born with the condition steadily fell from 717 to just 594 at the start of this decade.

Since 2000 the birth rate has increased, reaching 749 births of children with Down's syndrome by 2006, the latest year for which figures are available. The increase is spread across all age groups. The most recent figures from the National Down's Syndrome Cytogenetic Register suggest that births of children with Down's syndrome have risen by approximately 15 per cent when proportions of all live births in 2000 and in 2006 are compared.

"When I and others had our babies it was a very different world - those with Down's syndrome were treated very differently. Now there is much greater inclusion and acceptance, with mainstream education having a huge role. We think this plays a part in the decisions parents make - there's even been a baby with Down's syndrome on EastEnders."

Initial results show that 25 per cent said they already knew people with Down's syndrome or other disabilities and that had influenced their decision to continue with the pregnancy. Thirty-five per cent said they felt life and society had improved for people with Down's syndrome. Surprisingly almost half of those questioned said they did not think they would have a child with Down's syndrome and that's why they continued.

Most respondents said they felt supported by their family and friends.

REHACARE.de; Quelle: Down's Syndrome Association

- More about Down’s Syndrome Association at: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

( Source: REHACARE.de )