As an ultrasound specialist for more than 30 years, I have many occasions to share joyous news with parents-to-be.  Unfortunately, I am often required to deliver devastating news of a problem or even death, as well.  Indeed, I am routinely on the frontline of a rapidly-emerging ethical battle: a question of how to use modern technology in a way that respects and protects human life.

The issue is prenatal testing, a process that allows parents to evaluate possible health problems and the gender of their preborn child.  While it has obvious benefits, the potential for misuse is growing. Prenatal testing, like many tools, can be used for harm or for good.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to know if your child will face health issues, such as Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21.  There is also nothing wrong with wanting to learn if your child will be a boy or girl.  The question is what you do with the information.   Sadly, many parents may make the decision to terminate a pregnancy because of a health problem, or worse, because the baby is the “wrong” gender.

Prenatal testing (before birth) is a rapidly expanding area of medicine.  It is divided into two types, invasive and non-invasive.  Non-invasive tests may involve a simple blood test or an ultrasound scan.  Invasive tests are more complicated and involve obtaining a sample of cells or tissue from the developing baby. 

Over time prenatal testing will continue to improve and likely result in earlier diagnosis, less invasive testing and, ultimately treatment.  Currently, one of the more common prenatal tests aim to diagnose the most common chromosomal disorder, Down Syndrome.

A simple blood test will soon be available that aims to detect Down Syndrome as early as nine weeks of pregnancy.   MaterniT21 detects fetal DNA in the mother’s blood stream to reveal if the baby has the extra chromosome that causes Down Syndrome.  Tragically, it is estimated that as many as 90 percent of Down syndrome pregnancies are aborted.

As the area of prenatal testing expands, the ethical issues involved will continue to grow increasingly complex. As parents learn more about their growing baby, a larger number will be faced with wrenching ethical dilemmas when the results are not as they expected. Is there any treatment? What is the baby’s chance of survival? What is the real value of life?

A difficult diagnosis can strike fear in the hearts of new parents.  One must realize, however,  that sometimes in life our greatest fears become our greatest challenges and ultimately, our greatest blessings. Prenatal screening and testing should provide parents with information about the health and development of their baby.  It should NOT provide them with a reason to have an abortion – only to try again for the elusive “perfect” baby.  Life itself is its own unique and special gift.

How to Get a Tag

You can replace your current tag with the Choose Life specialty tag upon renewal of your current tag or at any time – you do not have to wait until your tag comes up for renewal! Simply visit your local county tag agency. If the tag is in your county’s inventory and you meet all the requirements for issuance, the tag can be issued to you at that time. If the tag is not in your county’s inventory, a temporary operation permit can be issued for your use in operating your vehicle until the tag becomes available.

What is the cost for a tag?

The first year cost of a Choose Life tag is a total of $80.00 plus your ad valorem taxes. The fees are:

• $25.00 Manufacturing Fee-this is a one time fee charged by the State of Georgia for all speciality tags.
• $35.00 Annual fee for a Choose Life tag. Of this $35.00*, Choose Life of Georgia receives $10.00
• $20.00 Annual Registration/Decal fee charged for all license plates each year.

After the first year, the Choose Life tag is a total of $55.00 plus your ad valorem taxes. $35.00 Annual fee for a Choose Life tag. Of this Choose Life of Georgia receives $10.00 $20.00 Annual Registration/Decal fee charged for all license plates each year. For more information follow this link: http://www.chooselifega.org/about/how-to-get-a-tag/ * Effective May 26, 2010, the State of Georgia increased the fees for all speciality tags. Choose Life of Georgia still only receives $10.