Just a few weeks ago, I held the hand of a young mother whose prenatal screening indicated a high risk for Down syndrome in her fetus. She was understandably worried, and we talked about our next steps to confirm the test.
As an obstetrician with additional training in high-risk pregnancy, I see my role in these situations as a supportive presence, someone who provides honest information, assuages fears, and walks with the patient down whichever road she chooses.
Some of our state legislators, however, feel there should be only one path.
Rep. Karianne Lisonbee’s proposed legislation, House Bill 166, bans abortions when a diagnosis of Down syndrome is the primary reason.