Jessica Valenti

Santorum is against coverage for prenatal testing

So Santorum doesn’t think that amniocentesis should be covered by insurance because when there’s a problem “in most cases physicians recommend abortion.” (Not true.) Most people who get amnios do so because a prenatal blood tests have showed that there may be a chromosomal abnormality (or for women over 35 years old, because your doc will strongly encourage it). Yes, in some cases - especially when there’s a disorder that means the fetus will not survive or that the child’s life will be short and painful - parents decide to end the pregnancy. Others get amnios so that they can have as much information as possible and so they can fully prepare for their child’s potential health problems. (Getting specialists lined up, saving money, etc.)

People deserve to have as much information about their health and pregnancy as possible. Imagine what it’s like for someone who has a blood test that says their fetus may have a severe chromosomal disorder, but is denied coverage for an amnio that would let them know for sure. Does Santorum think that the incredible stress of not knowing is healthy for women and their pregnancies?