CBS Evening News Tonight

This just in from the National Down Syndrome Society:

A producer with CBS Evening News began discussions in February 2008 with leaders in the Down syndrome community regarding a story on prenatal testing and Down syndrome. We are pleased to inform you that this story will air on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. At this time, we do not know the exact times for each region, nor if the story will air during the early evening or late evening news. Please check with your local CBS affiliate and/or plan for both news times.

THANK YOU to Amy Allison, from the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, who led the entire segment and worked tirelessly with producers at CBS to make the story happen.

CBS spent a significant amount of time researching this story to provide viewers accurate insights into the experiences of couples receiving a prenatal diagnosis. CBS focused on several aspects for the piece including:

Interviewing two prenatally diagnosed couples who live in Omaha and New Jersey . Filming two new parent group meetings attended by the couples in their respected cities. Filming a visit with one of the couples at their OB/GYN appointment. Filming a Changing Lives presentation at a hospital in Kansas City . Interviewing a 16-year-old self-advocate who sat on the panel at the Changing Lives presentation . Interviewing Amy Allison, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, with regard to how parents find local and national groups and supports that are available prenatally. Interviewing Senators Kennedy & Brownback with regard to the Prenatally Diagnosed Awareness Act. Interviewing Dr. Driscoll with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with regard to the ACOG recommendations

CBS filmed approximately ten hours of interviews which will be pared down to a 3 to 4 minute story during the newscast. We have not previewed the piece, but believe it will be an informative story which will bring much needed attention to the Down syndrome community and the experiences couples encounter upon receiving a prenatal diagnosis.