This letter was sent to ST Forum but was not published.
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious diseases specialist, said that in all live births, the risk of birth defects is around 1 per cent. He believes that the risk of unborn babies having microcephaly here stands at this rate, similar to French Polynesia. The data on risk range of between 1 per cent and 13 percent is "horribly skewed" by Brazil, which reports a higher rate of microcephaly (Family of pregnant woman felt anxiety, then relief; 2 Sep).
At a time when pregnant women and their families need the greatest support from the government, the medical specialists and the community, it is presumptuous to think that abortion is the only alternative to a national crisis (Zika a limited but difficult fight; 1 Sep).
Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors, such as Down Syndrome, exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in the womb, rubella and a few other infections during pregnancy. Of the initial 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly, only 270 cases have been confirmed by Brazil's Health Ministry as actual microcephaly. Of the 270 cases, medical researchers could only correlate six cases of microcephaly to the Zika virus. This means that 264 confirmed microcephaly cases did not even show a trace of Zika virus. The actual cause of Microcephaly cannot be ascertained.
In its "Frequently Asked Questions on Zika and Pregnancy", the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the clinical advisory group (CAG) state that even if the pregnant woman is found to have Zika, there is no test to predict the future occurrence of microcephaly. There is currently not enough research to ascertain the effectiveness of amniotic fluid testing. A positive Zika test in amniotic fluid does not always mean that the foetus will have birth defects.
There are too many unknowns surrounding this virus, causing much confusion and fears.
But one fact is clear. Should we callously let the life of the most vulnerable family member be lost through all these uncertainties?
As a woman with a physical disability, I grieve that the life of a person with a disability is seen as not worthy to be saved. Whether it is 24 weeks or 28 weeks, nothing changes the fact that abortion kills. It has nothing to do with religion but everything to do with valuing the inherent worth of a human being.
I stand with pregnant women and their families. Let our love for our children triumph over any unwarranted fear.
More information:
Pregnancy Crisis Service
6339 9770
https://www.facebook.com/Pregnancy-Crisis-Service-185774274807267/?fref=ts
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