More Down's syndrome babies born

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Parents appear more willing to bring a Down's child into the world than they used to be, the research shows.

Many are taking the decision because those affected by the syndrome are more accepted in society today and their quality of life has improved, according to a new survey.

After the widespread introduction of screening for Down's syndrome in 1989, the number of babies born with the condition in the UK each year fell from 717 to 594 at the start of this decade.

Since 2000, the birth rate has increased, reaching 749 in 2006, the latest year for which figures are available.

Figures from the National Down's Syndrome Cytogenetic Register show that the proportion of new born children with Down's syndrome rose by around 15% between 2000 and 2006.

Around one in every 1,000 babies born has Down's syndrome, an incurable genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

Its physical effects include a characteristic "flat" face and slanting eyes, short stature, heart defects, and poor sight and hearing. People with Down's syndrome also have moderate to severe degrees of learning disability.

A blood test or ultrasound scan is used to tell if a pregnant woman is at risk of having a child with Down's. This can be followed by more invasive tests which take samples of fluid from the womb or placental tissue to show definitively if a child has the syndrome. At either stage a decision may be taken whether or not to continue with the pregnancy.

The Down's Syndrome Association, in conjunction with the BBC, conducted a survey and the findings show that while religious or pro-life beliefs counted in around a third of cases, many parents felt that life and society had improved for people affected by Down's. Others said their decision was influenced by the fact that they knew people with Down's or other disabilities.