Historic Meeting and Consensus Statement on Prenatal Testing

The University of South Carolina's Genetic Counseling Program and Center for Disability Resources hosted a meeting of The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the National Down Syndrome Congress,the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

The two-day meeting was designed to bring these groups together to discuss prenatal screening and diagnosis as it relates to Down syndrome. The groups came up with a consensus document (clicking this link will download a PDF version of this statement): "Toward Concurrence: Understanding Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome from the Health Professional and Advocacy Community Perspectives."

I was very excited to see these groups finally come together to discuss these issues. Having a foot in both camps so to speak, I have always been dismayed at the somewhat adversarial nature of the relationship between the Down syndrome support groups and the medical societies. I am hoping that this meeting is a first step in understanding each other's positions. Do you think that this is possible?