International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

In order to fully understand the screening process, all pregnant women must be given relevant, accurate and up-to-date information on Down's syndrome, it has been suggested.

Last week, it was revealed that Dutch researchers were getting close to developing an inexpensive pre-natal blood test to detect Down's syndrome and birth defects.

The test would work by analysing a blood sample from the mother to examine the DNA make up of the foetus.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA), said: "Every new scientific breakthrough hastens the need for an in-depth debate about the screening process as a whole.

"Routine screening tests for Down's syndrome must be supported with funding so that the right level of support and counselling is offered to women prior to the test."

Recently, a survey of new parents by the DSA revealed 63 per cent of mothers did not even recall being given information about Down's syndrome before screening took place, even though it is outlined in guidelines provided by the UK's National Institute of Clinical Excellence, said Ms Boys.

Around one in every 1,000 babies born in the UK will have Down's syndrome, according to data from the DSA.

Posted by Alexandra George