Doctor describes case where fetal testing was wrong – baby was born healthy

Frank Pedreira, MD tells the following story:

“… A 27-year-old woman named Laura, with a history of excellent health, who became pregnant for the first time. Her husband Bill was 29 years old and also in good health. Laura’s first trimester was unremarkable except for mild, early-morning nausea and her first three prenatal visits were uneventful.

At the fourth month of gestation, a sample of amniotic fluid was tested for a fetoprotein (AFP), which was reported as “high.” Elevated AFP levels may be indicative of central nervous system defects. A repeat amniocentesis yielded the same results. The sonogram was “suggestive of a brain defect.” The option of abortion was raised, but Laura and Bill rejected it on the basis of personal religious conviction. A baby girl was born on time – healthy, robust, and perfectly normal. Her parents named her Mary Elizabeth.”

Frank Pedreira, MD A Doctor’s Prescription for Life (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Sterling House, 1999) 70

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Author: Sarah

Sarah Terzo is a pro-life writer and blogger. She is on the board of The Consistent Life Network and PLAGAL +

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