Exploring the new Downs Syndrome (DS) antenatal testing, the actress Sally Philips (she of Miranda fame – ‘Bear with, bear with’) presented a programme on BBC2 on 5 October which was both uplifting and heart-breaking.
Nine out of ten people terminate their pregnancy upon being given a confirmation of DS during screening programmes at around 15 weeks of pregnancy. This rate has risen by 40% in the last ten years. Sally explored the new NIPT/cfDNA tests and the ethics surrounding them, noting that at 99% accuracy, it may even result in the population of people with DS being wiped out.
Endless capacity for joy
Using her experience, Sally questioned what is so intolerable about having a child with DS: ‘I was expecting tragedy, but I got comedy,’ as she showed how her son and many others like him have an endless capacity for joy and a love of life and people that shames society at large.
Ten questions with Ken Brownell
Ken Brownell is the retired Senior Pastor of East London Tabernacle Baptist Church in Mile End, London.How did you …