Trisomy 18 Was Once Seen as Too Lethal to Treat. Some Kids Are Now Surviving.
The New York TimesThursday, July 31, 2025 at 9:01:24 AM
Trisomy 18, a genetic condition long considered a death sentence for newborns, is seeing surprising breakthroughs. A handful of children are now surviving beyond infancy thanks to aggressive medical interventions, sheer determination from families, and a bit of luck. While most babies with the condition still don’t live long, these rare cases are challenging old assumptions and giving some parents precious extra time with their kids.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about rare diseases—it’s about how medical boundaries are shifting. For decades, doctors assumed Trisomy 18 was untreatable, but these small victories are forcing a rethink. It’s hopeful, but also raises tough questions: How far should medicine go to extend life? And who gets access to these interventions? For families facing this diagnosis, it’s a glimmer of possibility where there used to be none.
— Curated via WP Now’s
