By Betty Haverty Smith

As chairman of the 1978 Mothers March on birth defects, I have recently talked with persons who expressed a desire to help but who declined because they could not, in good conscience solicit funds for an organization which holds a neutral position toward abortion, and publicly endorses amniocentesis as a useful diagnostic procedure.

Since the word "conscience" means with (con) knowledge (science), it seems important to me to try to offer some information relative to what amniocentesis is; and that is the stance of the March of Dimes. I feel a personal concern about the misunderstanding and controversy I find within my own Catholic community.

What is "amniocentesis?" This is a medical term for the diagnostic procedure performed by medical personnel with special equipment in analyzing fetal cells from the amniotic fluid of an expectant mother to determine the medical condition of her unborn child suspected to be at risk.

Questioned about this procedure Monsignor James T. McHugh, Director of the National Bishops Committee for Pro-Life activities, in a statement issued May, 1976, states: "Some persons committed to protecting and sustaining unborn human life mistakenly condemn amniocentesis because some parents choose to abort a fetus that is affected with a birth defect. In effect, this is to condemn a diagnostic technique because of the evil use made of the information which it renders. In reality, amniocentesis is a morally neutral technique, but it may derive a moral specification from the intention of those who use it…

"If, however, amniocentesis is used primarily to provide reassurance that a fetus is free of disease, to prepare parents to care for a child that is certainly diseased, or, in some cases, to enable scientists to treat the fetus in the womb and to overcome the metabolic or genetic disorder, the use of the procedure would be morally acceptable."

What is the position of the March of Dimes? I quote from the National Foundation's policy concerning prenatal diagnosis of birth defects using amniocentesis, adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 20, 1976:

"The National Foundation considers its rule in funding services in prenatal diagnosis to be that of increasing the medical and scientific resources which families may, or may not, elect to utilize in exercising their right to know the status of a fetus at risk of being born with certain birth defects. It is the policy of the National Foundation that the role of physicians and other health personnel involved in prenatal diagnosis is to provide scientific information and a clear objective explanation of the results and their consequences to the family. Regardless of the personal opinion of such physicians and other health personnel, giving direction advice concerning abortion in individual cases is contrary to the position of the National Foundation.

"All grantees, current and prospective, are required to state their willingness to abide by these policies when they use funds from the National Foundation to provide prenatal diagnostic services."

My understanding of the purpose of the National Foundation is to protect the lives of both the unborn and the newborn. Abortion is outside the purview of its operation. After the medical diagnosis, the ethical issues (the value decisions) which arise for the parties involved are completely outside the scope of MoD.

As a member of the Atlanta Council of Catholic Women and the Board of Directors of March of Dimes in Atlanta and a person who rejects abortion, I feel no conflict of interest, but rather a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the ideals and efforts of both the MoD and Pro-Life groups within the archdiocese.

It seems to me that perhaps some of this hesitancy to support the Mothers March could be due to recent articles in The Georgia Bulletin linking amniocentesis with abortion, sometimes with frightening allusions. I believe such opinions result from incomplete information. I feel such expressions are unwise and unfair. Sentiments of fear could lead to the failure to use a proven diagnostic technique which could be lifesaving. The future of unborn children might well be jeopardized in such confusion.

Amniocentesis is not alone in this rapidly developing field of fetal medical expertise. With ultrasonagraphy and fetal monitoring, babies who would never have survived several years ago are now leading normal lives. I attended the third annual Christmas party for Grady Hospital's High Risk Nursery "graduates." This party was to celebrate the lives of these fragile babies who were so tenderly nurtured into being during these past few years. It was an unforgettable experience. Many of these little people would never have entered life without the benefits of amniocentesis and other such sophisticated diagnostic life-sustaining techniques. The High Risk Maternal and Infant Center is a recipient of National Foundation funding. The Center is a tangible example of medical skill teamed with community compassion.