Malaysia needs stricter regulation of the genetic testing of embryos

Photo: EVGENIY SALOV/Dreamstime/Tribune News Service

DOWN syndrome is the most common genetic abnormality in newborns, and it is caused by the presence of an additional chromosome 21. As World Down Syndrome day approaches on March 21, we are reminded of the sobering statistic that around 90% of Down syndrome fetuses are routinely aborted worldwide.

The risks of Down syndrome rises with increasing maternal age, which is particularly significant for Malaysia, given the increasing trend of late motherhood in the country.