Downs Syndrome What Is Down

Downs Syndrome

What is Down Syndrome?

What is n for this organism?

Humans are

C, D, E, H

A, B, F, G

G-Telophase, because that is the stage when the two daughters are first formed

A-yes

it is liable only if the clinic failed to follow suggested guidelines for when to perform the test.

Jane is just under the age at which mothers are at risk for delivering babies with Down Syndrome, as seen in slide 40. However, 80% of all cases of Down Syndrome occur in the babies of women under 35 for the simple fact that it is more common for women under 35 to get pregnant (slide 43). All babies are potentially at risk, as Down Syndrome affects one out of every 800-1000 live births (slide 43). Testing for Down syndrome should be routinely offered as an option for expectant mothers who doubt their capabilities to care for a child with special needs. Whether the clinic can be held at risk or not depends on their policy regarding informing expectant mothers as well as state and federal law on the issue.

Although it should have offered the test as an elective option, the clinic is not automatically liable for not testing Jane for two reasons. First, her risk factors were relatively low; and second, the test for the disorder can put the baby at risk. Moreover, Jane's risk factors were low considering her family had no history of Down Syndrome. If Jane had exhibited a family history of genetic abnormalities then the clinic could easily be held at fault in a court of law.

The doctors might have considered John's cousin but could have just as easily believed that a healthy young couple would not have opted for a voluntary amniocentesis that might place them at risk for miscarriage. After all, the couple had great trouble conceiving and if they miscarried might never conceive again. The risk for miscarriage as the result of the amniocentesis is, however, relatively low. For this reason, doctors should make a point to suggest the test as an option without mandating the test as a routine course of action.