what an awful dilemma for Rhona in Emmerdale?

[Bobbisox]

Her unborn baby has Down's Syndrome and she is now faced with choosing to keep the child or having a termination, I can't imagine (in real life) what that could do to you, what a dreadful choice to have to make and Congrats to the show for tackling such a sensitive subject, I have been fortunate enough to meet a few Down's children/adults, what a joy they are too

[sherrardk]

I never had the test for Down's as I didn't want to know as I knew I wouldn't be able to have an abortion (and it's not available for twins).

[ummmm]

I refused all tests with my 3...

I'm old now though. If I was ever to have another one I think I'd have the tests..

[sherrardk]

Hi Ummm - I was quite old on all of mine and I maybe would have had it on the last pregnancy (I was 39) but it turned out to be twins and they don't do it on twins (don't know why) - quite relieved that the decision was taken out of my hands though.

[ummmm]

I'm 37 now....I'm debating having another one. Just debating mind..!!

[sherrardk]

Hi ummm - we were in 'discussions' about it and it turned out that I was already pregnant - so that was a 7 year old, a 4 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and new born twins.

[craft1948]

As there is now a test for Downs babies, should one assume that in the future no-one will be fortunate enough to meet some?

[tiggerblue10]

Ummmm, I had my baby in May this year and I'm 39. After all the blood tests I was advised that I was at low risk. Is there any way you can get this checked before planning another baby?

[Bobbisox]

perhaps you can elaborate on this craft

craft1948 Mark as Best Answer
As there is now a test for Downs babies, should one assume that in the future no-one will be fortunate enough to meet some?

[boxtops]

There used to be a slight risk of miscarriage with the Downs' test, is this still the case? One reason why several of my friends decided not to have it done, in days gone by.

[craft1948]

Well as you say you have been 'fortunate' enough to meet people with Downs syndrome why is there a test, and why do people choose to have abortions if it is proved their foetus has Downs?.................before you answer I will state I have a personal interest in this subject.

[welshlibranr]

Yes Bobbi, the test is very accurate too, I think that most pregnant women would terminate, mostly because the test can't determine how severe the Downs will be!............It could mean a lifetime of caring for them!.....................

[tiggerblue10]

Once I was advised I eas at low risk I didn't need the Amnio test.

[Bobbisox]

I say fortunate enough as I find thes people very rewarding in every way which makes it a pleasure meeting them!

[craft1948]

If 'these people' are so rewarding why bother doing the test?

[Bobbisox]

it must be one hell of a choice to have to make Welshy

[boxtops]

It really depends on the severity of the illness, bobbi - I have a friend with a Downs' daughter who is a charming young woman, but another girl I know of is so badly afflected mentally that she is in a secure unit. Very sad for the parents.

[sherrardk]

I agree that it is unusual these days to see a young person who has Down's but there is a little boy in my son's class with Down's and they are only 6 years old - personal choice (if you had had the test) or just luck of the draw.

[Bobbisox]

I saw tonight there was varying degrees of this boxy

[Bobbisox]

doc ;-)