Letter: Questions on antenatal screening for Down's syndrome
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: If antenatal tests are supposed to reassure mothers ('Every mother-to-be's nightmare', 25 January), why is so little support offered, or so much distress caused? Why are the methods of abortion that will be employed not explained? Have any studies been undertaken into the threat to bonding between mother and baby?
Even the 'offer' of tests is enough to cause anxiety and distress, as many of my friends found - and I avoided every one of them during my three pregnancies.
Would it not be better to offer help and advice about disability, than terrorise every mother and father in the name of 'reassurance'?
Yours faithfully,
ANN FARMER
Woodford Green, Essex
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments