Country Research China - Google Docs

I. Definition of Down Syndrome A. Down syndrome is a genetic disorder where an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21 B. Types 1. Trisomy 21 a). Accounts for 95% b). 47 chromosomes in every cell 2. Mosaicism a). Accounts for less than 1% b). A mixture of normal cells and abnormal cells II. Contemporary Issues Regarding Down Syndrome A. Government enforced abortions 1. 21% of Down syndrome relate abortions happen after the 28th week pregnancy 2. Babies after 28 weeks of pregnancy are considered living B. Uncertain future of middle-aged Down syndrome patients 1. Lack of government aid 2. Societal apathy 3. After deaths of their parents, patients will mostly not receive sufficient help III. Organizations Addressing Down Syndrome A. Government promoted nationwide prenatal screening 1. Detection of Down syndrome through prenatal diagnosis is 69% in 2011

2. Around 95% percent of women in urban areas terminate their pregnancies upon detection of Down syndrome 3. Resulting in China having one of the smallest Down syndrome population in the world B. Bamboo Project 1. Led by Bethany Christian Services 2. Helping hundreds of “unadoptable” children with Down syndrome in China IV. Steps Taken to Address Down Syndrome A. Government sponsored Screening 1. Free in urban areas B. International Adoptions 1. Cradle of Hope Adoption Center