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Fewer Down syndrome births reported

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Published: Nov. 2, 2009 at 5:46 PM

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The number of babies with Down syndrome carried to term in the United States has declined to single digit percentages, officials say.

Approximately 92 percent of American women with prenatal diagnoses of Down syndrome babies chose abortion, Children's Hospital Boston pediatric geneticist Dr. Brian Skotko said.

Skotko is concerned whether myths or facts drive the decisions, ABC News reports. "I am concerned about mothers making that informed decision. Are they making it on facts and up-to-date information? Research suggests not, and that mothers get inaccurate, incomplete and sometimes offensive information," Skotko said.

But many parents who choose to deliver Down syndrome babies say their lives have been enriched, ABC News said.

Lisa Aguilar, a 43-year-old mother of a 7-year-old with Down syndrome said, "I decided to keep him, no matter what. He is the happiest, kindest soul I have ever met. Daniel has taught me some valuable lessons about acceptance and love and being more compassionate."

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