The NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) in England offers women choice in pregnancy. Screening is described as an option, not an inevitable aspect of routine antenatal care. The screening programme is careful to explain that choosing not to have the test is a valid option for a woman. Women are invited to make an informed choice based on their own values and beliefs about whether to participate, and regarding options following receiving their results.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the NHS in all four countries about all aspects of screening policy. In January 2016, the UK NSC announced its recommendation that screening for Down's syndrome using non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) be introduced as an additional test into the FASP, as part of an evaluation. This follows a full review of the published scientific and cost evidence relating to NIPT, following combined testing. A copy of the UK NSC's review is available at http://legacy.screening.nhs.uk/fetalanomalies
As a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, I welcome the UK NSC's important recommendation on NIPT which has the potential to transform antenatal care. I know that the Government is currently considering whether this could be introduced as part of the NHS FASP.