Do you think genetic testing (learning about a baby's problems before birth) should be undergone?

I think it should be completely up to the parents

I don't agree with it. I don't agree with terminating because of problems, and those tests are very inaccurate anyway.

I think it should be up to the parents. Just like when they do a triple or quad blood test, its up to you if you want it done or not.

I think it is a parents choice. With that being said, I chose not to have any of the tests ran during either of my pregnancies for the simple fact that if in fact there was something wrong with my child, It would not make a difference to me. I would never have aborted no matter what the outcome and that's just where I stand. I have friends that chose the testing and would have aborted had something been detected, I don't judge them for that. It's purely up to the mother and father of the baby.

If there's any reason to expect that the baby might have genetic problems...yes. Even if you'd never abort under any circumstances, having the tests would give you advantages. If the baby is fine, you could stop worrying. If not, at least you'll know what to expect and can have an expert specialty pediatrician and a treatment plan ready for the baby when it arrives.

I kind of fought with the doctor on this one. I said I didn't want a few test done because I would not terminate the pregnancy based on the test. My doctor said that sometimes if they know beforehand they can be more prepared at birth to deal with the problems the child might have . So yes I think it should be undergone.

i think it's a good idea, but should be left up to parents to decide. genetic testing allows people to prepare for major issues before the baby is actually born. i worked in a children's hospital NICU where children came for fetal surgery, giant neck masses, cardiac defects, genetic syndromes, and other major problems. when parents have the knowledge of the disease ahead of time they are able to exducate themselves, emotionally prepare, prepare financially, prepare their families, and choose the proper facility to have their baby or seek care for the disorder. genetic testing doesn't always lead to abortion, though i think it's ok to have an abortion if a child will have a devastating illness that will only cause pain and heartache for the baby and family. but with issues like downs syndrome parents can prepare themselves for their child and find great doctors and developmental specialists to help them care for their bundle of joy! in the case of spina bifida the parents can find specialists who can save their baby's life, rather than wait until the child dies in utero or is delivered with a major problem with no preparation and completely unexpected.

I think it's a good idea, regardless of your views on abortion. If you are going to have a child born with special needs, isn't it better to be prepared ahead of time so you can talk to other parents in the same situation, read books, do research, and find out what to expect? I would much rather know that news ahead of time, if possible, than to be told on the day I gave birth.

A friend of mine from high school didn't have any genetic testing done on any of her pregnancies. She was raised in a strict Catholic family, and since she knew she would never terminate a pregnancy, she figured there was no point. Her fourth baby was born with Down Syndrome, and she had no idea until he was born. It has been incredibly stressful for her ever since he was born, because he basically requires all of her attention, and she has three other children to worry about. Knowing his condition ahead of time wouldn't have changed the outcome--she still would have had him--but it would have given her and her husband the chance to prepare themselves and their family.

I think it is a personal choice. I chose not to do any genetic testing during my pregnancies. Personally, I didn't feel comfortable with the invasive nature and risks associated with an amnio or CVS, and the other tests cannot tell you for certain that there is a problem. I didn't want to agonize over a "maybe" or "probably" during my pregnancy.

However, with that said, I totally understand why some parents choose to do the testing. I know that many people like the idea of being prepared (it isn't just about being able to terminate a pregnancy!).

I personally will not have any done with my next pregnancy. They did the AFP blood test when I was about 4 months pregnant and it came back that I had a 1 in 220 chance of having a down syndrome baby even though I was only 25. I worried for months even after an ultrasound showed no markers for downs. After doing research on the test I found that there is a ridiculously high false positive rate on these tests and I would rather not go through the worry again. But like everyone else said it is up to the parents whether or not they get it done but I think that in some states it is a mandatory test.