Down’s test raises fears over abortions

Disability rights campaigners say plans to widen ante-natal testing
for Down’s syndrome could increase the pressure on parents to abort
babies with the condition.

Jane Campbell, disability rights activist and chairperson of the
Social Care Institute for Excellence, said, although she supported
a women’s right to choose whether to have an abortion, she was
unconvinced people would make decisions based on a full
understanding of the condition.

“Disabled people are still not seen as having equal rights as
non-disabled,” Campbell said. “Until that is the case, there will
be a pressure on parents of disabled children to think about the
possibility of abortion rather than valuing a new life.”

The Department of Health announced plans to offer the test to all
women from April.