The modern view of Down syndrome can best be described as a paradox. People with DS have more opportunities than ever before to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives. Many graduate from high school, attend college and have meaningful employment. Their life expectancy has more than doubled since 1980, from 23 to 60 years.

Yet, despite these and other advances, most unborn babies with DS face a death sentence once their condition is discovered. A 2012 synthesis of 24 studies found post-diagnosis abortion rates for fetuses with DS ranging from 50-85 percent. That threat will soon become more acute as sophisticated new blood tests (which I’ve reported on here and here) become more widely available.