Prenatal Testing - Blog 6

I could go either way on this issue. I personally do not think that I would have the strength or courage to raise a special needs child. I have an extended family member who is severely mentally and physically handicaped and has major medical problems. I know that my aunt and uncle have a constant up hill battle with this everyday of their lives. I admire their ability to take care of him (with help from nurses and other family) but I do not think I could do what they are doing! I am very happy that prenatal testing is available and I feel that I will utilize a lot of what technology has to offer me when I decide to have a child. However, I can see where too much infomation could lead to the need to make unpleasant decisions. As far as making it mandatory (or routine), I don't think that is possible. Many people do not even have regular prenatal visits when they are pregnant let alone testing. I would hope that every doctor would encourage regular visits and general testing to insure that there is nothing life threatening for mom or baby going on, but beyond that I feel like it is a personal choice to go farther with more advanced tests.