Mongolism

A congenital defect, also called Down’s syndrome, in which a child is mentally retarded and has slanted eyes, a broad, short face, weak muscles and stubby fingers. These children, who have a chromosome abnormality, tend to be the offspring of older mothers. Congenital heart defects sometimes occur in conjunction with this disorder-an ‘increased risk’. Mother can have a test in early pregnancy, and if positive she can be offered an abortion.