Don't Be Afraid!

I just watched 60 Minutes on TV.  It dealt with the Government Eugenic screening programme, the "Search and Destroy" programme aimed at identifying babies who have Down Syndrome. Although you will hear denial that the object of this programme is to kill these babies by abortion, there is a focus on the economic involved.

Does anyone remember that that is where the Nazi's Eugenics T4 Programme initially focused?

Doctors, typically, give parents the "worst case scenario" when it comes to problems their unborn babies may face. I know this from personal experience, as well as from stories related to me when I was a Crisis Pregnancy Counsellor. "Your baby has a hole in the heart" "Your baby has an anencephaly" etc... etc... Parents came for moral support in their decision to reject the recommendation for them to have an abortion. I, personally, did not have one parent who regretted their decision. I did have parents who came to regret their decision to have an abortion.

My own parents gave birth to a baby who had Down Syndrome. They were advised of all the things he might not achieve. He might never be able to sit up on his own was one thing I remember. My parents told us everything the doctor had said, including their advice the he be put in an institution. Our unilateral decision was that he was our brother and we wanted him at home.

 My brother is now 42 years old. He was a participant and medal winner in the Special Olympics in the USA, and did a Haka on American television. He has a phenomenal memory in the areas of his interests and can swim better than the rest of his family.

There is one thing more he does better than the rest of his family... he LOVES!!! His story, according to me, is HERE

Without my brother I would not be the person I am today. None of my children would have chosen a partner who could not accept their uncle. We are all better persons through having someone with Down Syndrome as a member of our family.

On another note, I know people who have adopted children with Down Syndrome. By choice. YES!!! If you fear the implications of raising a child who has an intellectual disability, there are couples who would dearly love to adopt your child. And, with open adoption, you could choose to be a part of their lives if you so desire.