Data published by the National Down's Syndrome Cytogenetic Register reveal that, after screening was introduced in 1989, the number of babies born in England and Wales with the condition fell from 717 to 594 by the year 2000. However, by 2006, the latest year for which figures are available, the rate had increased to 749 per year.
A survey of 1,000 parents of affected children conducted by the Down's Syndrome Association found that many went ahead with their pregnancies because they believed the quality of life for people with the condition has improved.
Speaking on this week's Radio 4 documentary 'Born with Down Syndrome', Carol Boys, chief executive of the DSA, said, 'When I and others had our babies it was a very different world - those with Down's Syndrome were treated very differently. Now there is greater inclusion and acceptance, with mainstream education having a huge role. We think this plays a part in the decisions that parents make.'
