BBC Radio 4 - 'Born with Down's syndrome'
Tonight at 8pm on Radio 4 (between 92-95FM) a programme will be broadcast called "Born with Down's syndrome".
In an attempt to understand why more women are opting to go ahead with their pregnancies the Down's Syndrome Association has consulted parent members. The results, released in the documentary, show that many believe the quality of life for people with Down's syndrome will be better than in the past and that those with Down's syndrome are more accepted in society.
Speaking on the BBC documentary our chief executive Carol Boys said: "We are all very surprised by this. It wasn't what any of us working in the field would have anticipated and it seems to show that more parents are thinking more carefully before opting for prenatal screening and termination - that being born with Down's syndrome is being seen in a different light today.
"When I and others had our babies it was a very different world - those with Down's syndrome were treated very differently. Now there is much greater inclusion and acceptance, with mainstream education having a huge role. We think this plays a part in the decisions parents make - there's even been a baby with Down's syndrome on EastEnders."
In the documentary "Born with Down's Syndrome" presenter Felicity Finch follows three parents in Leeds who have given birth to babies with Down's syndrome. Frances Dine was 12 weeks pregnant when a scan revealed the condition but she and her husband, Paul, gave little thought to termination: "Things have moved on and babies with Down's syndrome can have a great quality of life," says Frances.
For further information please see our press release, Births with Down's syndrome increase.