A blood-based prenatal test to detect chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses has surged in popularity since debuting in April, with most women who test positive opting for abortions, a study presented at a meeting of genetics experts showed Friday.
The study said 53 out of 56 who received confirmation of testing positive for genetic anomalies chose to terminate pregnancy, while a "very small" number of people aborted after preliminarily testing positive before confirmation, raising concern the test may lead to unnecessary terminations.
A total of 3,514 women took the test in the first six months it was available, compared with 1,534 in the first three months, according to the report, drafted by a group of 25 hospitals across Japan that perform the new prenatal test.