Magdy is 28 years old and in her 15th week of pregnancy. Her doctor orders her to have a maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test. This is part of a set of tests, which are to detect genetic problems. With it, the level of AFP and hormone in the blood is detected. High levels of AFP are usually associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, and unusually low levels (along with low oestriol levels and high hCG levels) are associated with an increased risk of chromosome abnormality such as Down syndrome.

A week after the test, she gives the results to her doctor, who tells her that the AFP level was extremely high, which suggests that there is a high probability that her baby was born with a neural tube defect. After performing an ultrasound and an amniocentesis, what was suspected was confirmed. The doctor recommends an abortion.

1. How must Magdy feel?

2. What do you think her husband and other close relatives would recommend to her?

3. What would you do if you were her?

4. Which determination would be her morally correct one? Explain and justify her position.

5. Compare this situation with the treatment of people with disabilities in ancient times.

Establish similarities and differences

6. If Magdy agrees to have her baby and the prognosis of these tests comes true, what changes do you think would evolve in the way Magdy and her husband think and feel? (Evolution from the moment of the news until the first years of her son`s life.)