News Release, 20 September 2006
According to a new charity report, pregnant women being offered antenatal screening are not always being given fair or accurate information about what it would be like to raise a child with a learning disability. The report, Genetics: screening, choice and rights,also revealed that women are not always told about the implications of screening or the choices they may have to make.
Produced by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Genetics: screening, choice and rights, also found that professionals involved in screening do not always have balanced, up-to-date information. Subsequently, they risk providing a biased opinion which may affect whether or not a woman decides to continue with her pregnancy if the screening detects a learning disability. They may also worry about facing criticism or legal action if screening is declined and the baby is born with a learning disability.
Alison Giraud-Saunders, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, says:
“Screening is often presented as a routine procedure, but it is important for parents to be clear about their choices. We know that women and their partners often don’t get adequate information about screening or the decisions they may be expected to make. If screening detects a learning disability, many parents receive unbalanced information.”
To tackle this issue, the charity is about to start working with parents as well as midwives and obstetricians to improve current approaches to screening and ensure that pregnant women are fully supported to make informed decisions.
Download the report: Genetics: screening, choice and rights
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Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
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