Pro-Life Victory: Reduction in Abortions

Pro-Life Victory: Reduction in Abortions September 26, 2008 The Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act passed both Houses of Congress this week and is on its way to the President to be signed into law.  This bill, S.1810, will require that families who receive a Down syndrome or other challenging diagnosis, either prenatally or up to a year after birth, be given up-to-date information about the nature of the condition and connection with support services and networks that could offer assistance. As was reported in the New York Times last year, ninety percent of unborn children given a Down syndrome diagnosis are aborted.  This number is similar for other conditions as well like cystic fibrosis and spina bifida.  Education and support are the crux of this legislation.  Parents will now have the information they need to face tough decisions ahead.   The bill not only better assists parents but develops national and local peer-support programs.  And it calls for the creation of a national registry of families willing to adopt children with these conditions. The Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act had bi-partisan support and was sponsored by Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA).