Press Release with live link to Consensus Statement:
http://www.ndss.org/images/stories/NDSSresources/pdfs/consensus%20conversation%20statement.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarah Schleider
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10012
Phone: 212-763-4369
Sschleider@ndss.org
www.ndss.org
CONSENSUS BUILDING ACROSS NATIONAL ORGANIZTIONS AROUND PRENATAL
SCREENING AND DIAGNOSIS AS RELATED TO DOWN SYNDROME
NEW YORK, June 24, 2009-The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and
the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) are pleased to share the
results of an historic first meeting which brought representatives of
five organizations (NDSS, NDSC, the American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists, the American College of Medical Genetics and the
National Society of Genetic Counselors) together to discuss prenatal
screening and diagnosis as related to Down syndrome. In recent decades
advances in medicine and genetics have enabled more women to receive a
prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. In 2007, Practice Bulletins 77 and
88 issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
recommended that physicians offer prenatal testing to all pregnant
women. These developments, which have heightened anxiety within the Down
syndrome advocacy community about prenatal screening and diagnosis, led
the University of South Carolina's Genetic Counseling Program and Center
for Disability Resources to host a meeting of these medical and advocacy
organizations.
The two-day roundtable discussion resulted in a consensus document which
explores perceptions and misperceptions about prenatal diagnosis and
screening. The consensus statement, "Toward Concurrence: Understanding
Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome from the Health
Professional and Advocacy Community Perspectives", also establishes a
foundation for future multi-organizational collaboration such as the
review of information provided parents about prenatal screening and
diagnosis, practice guidelines and research to define models of best
practice.
About NDSS:
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization
representing the more than 400,000 Americans who have this genetic
condition. NDSS is committed to being the national advocate for the
value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. We
demonstrate this commitment through public policy and public awareness
initiatives that benefit people with Down syndrome and their families.
To learn more about NDSS, visit
http://www.ndss.org.
About NDSC:
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a not-for-profit
organization founded in 1973. The NDSC is governed by a twenty-two
member Board of Directors composed of parents and family members of
individuals with Down syndrome, self-advocates and other individuals
involved with people with Down syndrome.
The NDSC works to empower its members and all people with Down syndrome
across the country by creating a national climate in which all people
will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with DS.
This purpose is enhanced by the commitment of NDSC to promote the
availability of and accessibility to a full range of opportunities and
resources that meet individual needs.
For more information on this topic please contact Sarah Schleider at
212-763-4369 or sschleider@ndss.org.