School of Social Sciences Reader makes BBC Radio appearance to discuss prenatal screening

A Reader at Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences has appeared on BBC Radio to discuss genetic screening and testing in pregnancy.

Dr Gareth Thomas, a sociologist, appeared on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Child’ series, commenting on genetic screening and testing in pregnancy.

The segment unpicks what genetic conditions are tested for, why, and what it says about our understandings of risk, parenthood, and disability.

Dr Thomas said:

“By examining the complex relationships between professionals, parents, technology, policy, and clinical practice, I identify how screening is embroiled in both new and familiar debates around pregnancy, ethics, choice, diagnosis, care, disability, and parenthood.”

The research stems from over 10 years of work, though primarily his ethnographic study of two hospitals focused on the delivery of prenatal screening for Down’s syndrome. His research is also personal, with Dr Thomas discussing his experience of growing up with a neighbour, Brittany, who has Down’s syndrome.

Dr Thomas focused on how and why we are so invested in screening, taking reports of women’s ambivalence and occasional problematic experiences.

He continued, “My research was with healthcare professionals, and my intention was to present a frontline account of the mundane patterns of professionals’ working lives and how they ‘do’ Down’s syndrome screening.

“This is a departure from other research on this topic, which often focuses on the decision-making of expectant parents. That is, why they decide to screen or not.”

Dr Thomas concluded, “My research, instead, highlights how Down’s syndrome screening plays a central role in reproductive politics, how it invigorates parental expectations, and how it feeds into considerations of what lives are valued (or not).

“Given the recent advances in prenatal screening, which is expected to have profound effects in our society, it is important that we keep subjecting it to critical scholarly attention.”

Find out more about Dr Thomas and his work.