The Minister for Health has been called upon to initiate a national conversation on the dangers of pre-natal genetic testing.

The call was made after it was revealed that earlier screening for foetal abnormalities in some hospitals in the UK has resulted in 30% fewer down-syndrome births.

Eilish Mulroy of the Pro-Life Campaign said that a conversation on the realities, limitations and dangers of such screening is long overdue.

“The British experience should alarm us all. We are witnessing the gradual but definite elimination of an entire group of human beings in the context of an abortion culture that pays lip service to respecting difference,” she said.

“We are again urging the Minister for Health to initiate a long over due conversation on the realities, limitations and dangers of pre-natal genetic testing. If we do not have that conversation, then the English findings this week will eventually be reflected here.

“Let’s work towards a society that values difference and welcomes everyone in life and protects everyone in law,” concluded Ms Mulroy.