When we conducted these studies, we wanted to find the most optimal method to screen pregnant women for the presence of fetal Down's syndrome. It was our goal to study the effectiveness of first-trimester screening and find the best possible screening test for Down's syndrome.

The program became very popular over the last two years. Many women who are 35 years and older are choosing to have first-trimester screening or a combination of first- and second-trimester screening instead of amniocentesis. There are a lot of women out there who want early non-invasive information regarding the status of their pregnancy and we are hearing from them.

Currently all women are offered a second-trimester screening test as a standard of care. The results of this study will have quite an impact because it will give pregnant women and their physicians more options for earlier and more effective screening.

Women are raised to be the caretakers, so they're less likely to seek out services because it's about taking care of others, not themselves. We need to change that mentality.

This extensive, well-conducted study shows that women who undergo hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries are more likely to have low sexual desire and also more likely to be distressed about this.

I grew up a middle class, colonized child of teachers and librarians and people, women especially, who treasured education.