If you are about to have, or are currently undertaking, pre-natal tests take a look at the NHS Booklet Screening Tests for you and your baby.
We believe that it is important you understand about the tests you are taking, what they can tell you and what choices you may have to make. We know that this may be a difficult time for you. Gather the information you need, our section About Down’s Syndrome may be useful. Give yourself time to make decisions that feel right to you.
We encourage you to ring and ask any question about Down’s syndrome, big or small, on our Helpline on 0333 1212 300 . We can provide you with factual and up to date information. However if it is out of hours we have prepared the answers to the most frequently asked pre-natal questions for you to read (pdf version available here)
Pre-natal Diagnosis
If you are at the stage where you have received a pre-natal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome you may be interested in our publication Looking Forward to Your Baby
Information at diagnosis
We hope the person who gave you your baby’s diagnosis was well informed about Down’s syndrome. You may like to share information about the DSA’s Tell It Right campaign with your health care provider.
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The Down’s Syndrome Association is appalled and horrified following the BBC’s Panorama investigation into the treatment of people with learning disabilities at Whorlton Hall.
Our Chief Executive Carol Boys said:
“The way that we are treating people with a learning disability in the UK today is a national disgrace.
We have not learnt any lessons from the past and we have broken countless promises of better times ahead. We have let people with learning disabilities down badly time and time again, and this needs to stop. How many more scandals and needless deaths is it going to take before we begin to treat people with the respect and care that they deserve?
Our ‘It’s My Life’ report published last year showed that people are not having their needs assessed properly and that the right level of support is not being given to many. The best place to support people with learning disabilities is in their community. Institutions like Whorlton Hall do not work and do not allow individuals to live an ordinary life.” ... See MoreSee Less
Statement following BBC’s Panorama investigation | Down's Syndrome Association