Our new statement on NIPT non-invasive prenatal testing

On Monday 28th September the provision of non-invasive prenatal testing was introduced into the pregnancy screening pathway across NHS Scotland. Since this date pregnant women are now offered non-invasive pre-natal testing as a second-line screening option if they have received a higher-chance result from their first screening that their baby may have Down’s syndrome.

Eddie McConnell, Chief Executive said: “Down’s Syndrome Scotland has an absolute responsibility and privileged role to defend the rights and promote the value and contribution that people with Down’s syndrome make to so many aspects of Scottish life, each and every day. While we understand the arguments that non-invasive prenatal testing is a more accurate screening test and that it can be helpful for parents to know in advance that their child may have Down’s syndrome, we remain concerned that the introduction of a further screening test for Down’s syndrome, unless clearly explained and understood, could lead to an increase in the number of terminations. This may, in turn, lead to a reduction in the number of babies born with Down’s syndrome.”

We have updated our statement to reflect the organisation’s new position on the implementation of non-invasive prenatal testing. You can read our statement below.

Read our statement in full here

If you would like any further information about this statement please get in touch with us directly by calling 0300 030 2121 or emailing info@dsscotland.org.uk.