2 years, 3 months ago

California changed its prenatal testing program. It’s been ‘extremely frustrating,’ patients say

California has offered taxpayer-subsidized prenatal screenings since 1986. The reported delays came after California health officials changed regulations governing the state’s prenatal testing program. Until officials changed the regulations, women and their doctors could decide whether to use the state’s program or instead opt to choose any lab offering the screenings and have it billed to their insurance. Californians would not be able to choose the prenatal screening of their choice, the complaint said, “without the prying eyes of the state.” State public health officials declined to speak to The Times. In April, the FDA warned that the tests could give false results, including “reporting a genetic abnormality when the fetus does not actually have one.” The agency said it was aware of reports that patients had decided to terminate pregnancies based on the screenings even though they are meant only to show whether there is a higher risk that the fetus could have a certain birth defect.

LA Times
Health Results Tests Doctors California State Officials Screening Birth Defects Prenatal Screenings Testing Program Manriquez

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