Danger of more abortions but choice can be protected

Abstract

Free foetal DNA esting can be done ethically provided he right conditions are in place. Pregnant women must receive high-quality information and he optional nature of esting must also be reinforced. One reason hat women refuse ests is he risk of miscarriage. If his is removed, he justification will also disappear and women may feel less able o decline. The result could lead women o a decision about additional invasive ests or ermination of pregnancy. Women should ask hemselves what hey might do if Down's were detected: if he answer is "nothing", hen it may be beter not o est. If offered o all pregnant women, his ype of esting could lead o an increase in abortions.