Down's Syndrome Screening and Reproductive Politics

<p>Nominated for the Foundation of Sociology of Health and Illness Book Prize 2018</p><p>In the UK and beyond Down’s syndrome screening has become a universal programme in prenatal care. But why does screening persist particularly in light of research that highlights pregnant women’s ambivalent and problematic experiences with it?</p><p>Drawing on an ethnography of Down’s syndrome screening in two UK clinics Thomas explores how and why we are so invested in this practice and what effects this has on those involved. Informed by theoretical approaches that privilege the mundane and micro practices discourses materials and rituals of everyday life <i>Down’s Syndrome Screening and Reproductive Politics</i> describes the banal world of the clinic and in particular the professionals contained within it who are responsible for delivering this programme. In so doing it illustrates how Down’s syndrome screening is ‘downgraded’ and subsequently stabilised as a ‘routine’ part of a pregnancy. Further the book captures how this routinisation is deepened by a systematic but subtle framing of Down’s syndrome as a negative pregnancy outcome. By unpacking the complex relationships between professionals parents technology policy and clinical practice Thomas identifies how and why screening is successfully routinised and how it is embroiled in both new and familiar debates surrounding pregnancy ethics choice diagnosis care disability and parenthood.</p><p>The book will appeal to academics students and professionals interested in medical sociology medical anthropology science and technology studies (STS) bioethics genetics and/or disability studies.</p>