Susan,
I think that the priority you assert of the woman because it is "her" body does not justify the murder of a child. In marriage, which is what we are talking about here, we become one flesh. That means that we own each other's body as we own the issue of that body. I use "own" here in a specific sense, perhaps "love" would be better.

The author shows her discriminatory views towards the Down syndrome community. She is rightly concerned about reducing harm caused by invasive tests but reveals an assumption that the lives of those without Down syndrome are worth saving, whilst harming those with Down syndrome through selective abortion presents no concern. Thus, presenting her own bias for discrimination, ableism and eugenics against the Down syndrome community. The ethical way to reduce harm, is to reduce harm to all without discrimination.

Having revealed her lowly view of people with Down syndrome she then proceeds to justify discrimination against girls and her own sex.

One is left feeling sorry for a "health" practitioner who supports discrimination against those with genetic difference and females, which says a lot about herself and nothing about those she judges as being of less worth.

Suseonline, you show a particularly discriminatory view of people with Down syndrome, such as my daughter. You have no right to make judgements about the worth of my child.

There is no "fallout" from having a child with Down syndrome and they are not "difficulties for their families". The main difficulty they experience is hurtful discriminatory attitudes such as your own and the author of the article.

Mike Sullivan do not put words in my mouth.
I did not show any discrimination towards Downs Syndrome affected people at all.

I am a nurse and have worked with these people and their families for over 30 years , and you know very well what I mean about 'fallout' .

I am talking about the probable heart, continence and other health problems that affect these people, causing no end of worry for the families, not to mention the significant learning and development disabilities.

Then there are the family problems of marriage breakdowns and siblings feeling neglected that often arise, to name just 2 problems.

Not everyone is willing or able to take all that on for the rest of their lives, knowing they will also have the worry of who will care for these people once the parents can't do it any more.

If you are happy, then that is wonderful for you, but it should be a choice for others to make rather than be forced into carrying a baby they don't want.

Typical response from a medical proffessional when it comes to DS testing. Makes me sick... Thank goodness some Drs have had their own children with DS...
Suseonline, let me start by saying its people first thankyou. Our kids have down syndrome, they are not down syndrome people, i wouldnt call you a nurse people. I would call you alady who is a nurse wouldnt I?
I would love you to know that my family and friends adore my second son who has DS and so many family and friends have enjoyed being educated on DS in this era and thank me daily for opening up the DS world to them... I do find it offensive when someone thinks that our kids are a burden on us forever or ruin our lives. I can tell you if I had of aborted my son I would be in a right mental state right now instead of being the proud mother of two young men. My father has dementia, soon enough he wont even remember who i am, should he be terminated too? Everyone is always only one step away from a car accident that can change their life or their childs life be it a brain injury or physical but of course no one thinks of that do they? Hmmmm

Good luck to you too mum2twoboys, but I say again, not everyone who has 'DS' children feel like you do. (Yes, DS sounds much better than people with Downs Syndrome).

Of course they love their children, but you can't tell me that not every one of them doesn't question what if?

Maybe other people with DS children wouldn't feel comfortable discussing their sadness and upset with you, at what has happened to their child and their family...and yes, that they often wish things were very different.

But many, in fact most, have voiced these thoughts to me.

Again I say, you can't speak for all people with DS relatives, nor for all people who have to make this difficult choice with abortion.
I certainly don't judge them and do support them with either decision.