Extensive investigations undertaken by journalist Brian Deer reveal the whole truth behind the autism vaccine controversy, and the British Medical Journal is now publishing a series of articles written by Deer. This is much recommended reading, no matter what your stance on the role of vaccines in autism. This brief timeline of the autism vaccine controversy will help put things into perspective.
A blood test to screen for Down syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy has been announced with much fanfare. Study authors claim the screening test could eliminate up to 98% of amniocentesis. The test has not yet been approved for clinical use, and is significantly more expensive than existing screening methods. It is also limited to detecting Down syndrome at the moment, though it seems logical the same technology could potentially be used to screen for other conditions in the future.
The test could mean earlier and safer screening for all pregnant women, not just those at higher risk. Universal screening, however, is not without its drawbacks. Some people fear doctors will take less care when it comes to informing women about their options, because a non-invasive screening is seen as routine compared to a procedure that could potentially cause miscarriage. Advocates for special needs populations also worry that earlier, safer testing could result in more women being pressured to abort fetuses found to have conditions such as Down syndrome.
There is no cure for either Down syndrome or autism, but people affected with these conditions can live long, happy, productive lives if given adequate support and education.
