This study compared the beliefs of mothers (N=36) of persons with Down Syndrome with the beliefs of genetic counselors (N=28) and nurses (N=32) about parenting children with Down Syndrome and about prenatal diagnosis. All subjects were shown a videotaped discussion by parents of persons with Down Syndrome and then responded to a questionnaire. Major findings included: 89% of mothers felt the film was an accurate portrayal of parental attitudes compared with 14% of genetic counselors and 40% of nurses; 92% of mothers thought the film was of "high" educational value compared to 30% of genetic counselors; 48% of genetic counselors felt that problems outweighed benefits in parenting a child with Down syndrome, but 94% of mothers and 83% of nurses thought that benefits predominated; and 56% of genetic counselors believed that parents of a person with Down syndrome would choose to abort a subsequent affected fetus, while only 8% of mothers and 10% of nurses agreed. Contains 30 references. (DB)