Heath – I wasn’t recommending any info regarding my shitta. Just the opposite, the OP clearly left out information that wasn’t according to her shitta (no ultrasounds due to religious reasons*), hence my response to them. I wasn’t recommending not including the AFP test, I was suggesting that ALL info needs to be included.
If one has no prior knowledge about spina bifida, reading this letter informs you ONLY that there is the AFP test to diagnose it. If this letter is meant to help the public, it should have included the following summarized info:
” It’s best if this can be diagnosed during pregnancy. There are different methods in the way it can be done. The most routine method is the sonogram in which most women undergo during the 16-20th week of pregnancy. If you choose not to have the sonogram done or prefer an earlier diagnosis, there’s also the AFP Test method which can be requested from your doctor during the early weeks. The AFP test can have other implications as well, so that is best if its discussed with your doctor and your Rav.”
(*Being that ultrasounds are done as part of routine care, not having one done is mostly due to religious reasons)