Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Number of newborns with Down syndrome increased in UK

It is estimated that two babies are born each day in the UK. In response to statistics showing a rise in the number of babies born with Down syndrome in the UK since 2000, following an initial decrease after the introduction of prenatal screening in 1989, the London based Down's Syndrome Association has asked 1000 families about their reasons for choosing to continue with pregnancies.

The results, released in a Radio 4 documentary, "Born with Down's Syndrome", 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. Click here for the full text of the DSA's press release issued on 24/11/2008.

Commentary by Times journalist Simon Barnes, father of Eddie, 7.

The programme "Born with Down's Syndrome" was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Monday November 24th 2008 at 8pm. It is presented by Felicity Finch. Click here for online audio.

Click here for the figures from the National Down's Syndrome Cytogenetic Register on the number of births can be found in their 2006 report.

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