Every year in the United States, approximately six percent of the total births (about four million babies) are born with birth defects (Papalia & Olds, 1995). However, although these babies only represent six percent of the births, they account for 20 percent of the deaths in infancy (Papalia & Olds, 1995). Medical science has long been involved in ways of improving these statistics; one of the most frequently used methods is that of prenatal testing.
The purpose of this paper is to examine prenatal testing. To this end, the paper first defines prenatal testing and delineates its basic methods. This is followed by a discussion of some of the most common birth defects and the accuracy of prenatal testing for these conditions. The paper then examines various problems and dangers associated with prenatal testing. The review ends with a serious of conclusions about prenatal testing formulated based on the reviewed material.
Prenatal Testing, Purposes and Methods
A prenatal test is an optional medical test available to people who are considered to be at increased risk for having children with a chromosomal abnormality or an inherited genetic condition (Lemons & Brock, 1990). In certain cases, the testing is used for the purpose of discovering and treating the condition; while in other cases, the purpose is for parents to make an informed decision as to whether they wish to take the child to term making preparations for dealing with a disabled child or terminate the pregnancy (Furr & Seger, 1998).
As just noted, in a few cases, early detection with prenatal testing will allow for treatment of the conditions. Prenatal treatments tend to be rate and experimental; however, according to Gazis-Sax (1997), there are those instances in which treatment can remediate or even cure the condition.
For example, fetal surgery can be done for diaphramatic hernia and complete bladder obstruction, steroid hormones can be given befo...