October 8, 2008 - Victory in Washington!

Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Act

Signed into Law by the President

Victory in Washington
The Trisomy 18 Foundation applauds the final passage of the Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act (S. 1810). The Act, signed into law by President Bush on October 8th, ensures that families who receive prenatal diagnoses of Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, Down Syndrome or other genetic conditions will have access to up-to-date information about the nature of the condition and connection with support services and networks that could offer assistance.

Today is a Day to Celebrate!
Our dreams for future improvements to the quality of outreach and support for families and their health professionals when a diagnosis of Trisomy 18 is made in pregnancy can become a reality. This bill will benefit expecting parents who receive the often overwhelming news that their unborn child may be born with Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13 or other prenatally-diagnosed disabilities.

Teamwork Made the Difference
It was the efforts of all those who worked together, made calls, sent emails, and cajoled our Senators and Congressmen that made the passage of this landmark legislation possible. Your calls and emails were supported by the tireless work of our founder, Victoria Miller and Madeleine Will of the National Down Syndrome Society and Susan Goodman of the National Down Syndrome Congress all working together in the first ever "Trisomy Coalition." Your voices were heard loud and clear in Washington DC. During these days of partisan debates and disagreements, our community came together and created positive change.

Benefits to our Community
The Pre-natally and Post-natally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act will provide for the creation of a national clearinghouse of evidence-based, up-to-date information for parents of children with Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13 and other disabilities. The bill also provides for the enhancement of national and local peer-support programs and calls for the creation of a national registry of families willing to adopt children with pre- or post-natally diagnosed conditions. Access to the best support and information about Trisomy 18 can make all the difference to parents trying to make informed and difficult treatment decisions.

Our Work Continues
The Trisomy 18 Foundation’s national staff and volunteers raise awareness and funding to serve all those impacted by a Trisomy 18 diagnosis by:

• educating families, their communities and health professionals
• creating a caring worldwide community of affected families
• driving research initiatives to focus on prevention and treatments
• advocating for increased awareness and federal funding

The demand for our services and programs grows each day.  You can keep making a difference in the lives of our community! 
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Read the full Press Release (PDF)