Doctors Inflicting Trauma

As part of our special Life Issues this week on Down syndrome, I want you to be aware of a recent study published in Scientific American with chilling results.  They surveyed over three hundred mothers of unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome.  While some had a positive encounter, most reported negative experiences, including pressure to abort from doctors and medical staff, a lack of compassion, and pessimistic expectations for both the child and family.  Many received no resources or support systems.  The intensity of the negative memories is tied to the doctor’s delivery of the news.  Researchers caution doctors to reevaluate how they break the news, and consider the long-term trauma inflicted.  For more information and resources on Down syndrome visit lifeissues.org.