AQW 15404/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health why, on the NI Direct webpage, the wording 'testing for abnormalities' rather than 'screening for Down's Syndrome' is used.
Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 25 February 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 25 February 2021
- Answer due by
- 12 March 2021
- Answered
- 16 March 202119 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The wording currently used reflects that the testing referred to relates to a number of distinct conditions, and is not specifically for Down’s syndrome.
Please note, my Department has raised the use of language in relation to Down’s syndrome in The Pregnancy Book and on the NI Direct Webpage with the Public Health Agency (PHA). PHA is working to re-write relevant guidance in this regard, and we anticipate that this will be updated soon.