Then not long ago, my daughter-in-law told me her good friend was pregnant and fearful the child she carried had Down syndrome. My response was to encourage DIL to be emphatic with her friend that all moms have challenges with their children. In fact, normal is not a word that should be top on the list of a mom’s vocabulary, because each of our children is unique; as a mom nurtures her children, she comes to understand what is “normal” for each individual child.
The video below celebrates World Down Syndrome Day and is a marvelous reminder of the blessing each child is. When you view the video, I suspect you’ll cry, just as I did. The video celebrates life and the precious bond between mother and child.
In my email inbox every day, I find several emails from America’s Digital Goddess, Kim Komando. The emails inform me of great apps, helpful downloads, cool websites and must-see videos. I like these emails because they include what Komando considers the best-of-the-best. When I can benefit from her top-notch recommendations, I don’t have to spend time combing the internet for myself. I depend on her expertise.
Sometimes, though, my inbox bulges from too much information. As the emails pile up and digitally overflow, I’m prone to delete many without reading, often without a second glance. (I’m just glad I didn’t do that today.) Kim Komando posted what she called a must-see video. [Unfortunately, the video link is no longer accessible.] Still, it was absolutely priceless, a must-see that trumps all must-sees (in my view).
With medical procedures and techniques advancing at a steady pace, screening of infants in utero has become commonplace. Screen for this, screen for that, no nook or cranny unexamined, every child scrutinized and lab-tested for risk assessment before ever inhaling its first breath.
I recall several years ago when one of my daughters told me she’d expressly forbidden her OB from performing a diagnostic test for Down syndrome. The test would’ve been irrelevant; whatever the result, no abortion would occur. Further, my daughter had a friend whose doctor had predicted a DS baby, but notwithstanding weeks of preparation, the child was born without the condition. (Doctors aren’t infallible! Testing errs.)
Many individuals don’t share my daughter’s point of view (also my POV). Upon hearing a Down syndrome diagnosis, more and more prospective parents (as well as the doctors who advise them) decide to abort.
A 2009 study revealed a 25% decline in DS after the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) became law in 1990. This article from Harvard Law asks the pertinent question, why? Why, when more resources suddenly become available, are parents destroying unborn children based on a possible Down syndrome test result? And I would add a second question: what will the world look like when all babies are born “perfect”, when the gene pool as it were has been purged of all other possible outcomes?
This is a subject about which I care deeply, though my personal experience is sorely limited. My niece was born with Down syndrome. This lovely young lady turned 25 earlier this year. Take a look at the video below. It’s immediately evident that Charlotte lives a rich and purposeful life!
The road for Charlotte and for her family hasn’t been an easy one. I think in her first year of life she endured two or three heart surgeries. She has other health issues now that present challenges for her, but she has an irrepressible spirit that brings joy to so many! I have huge respect for her and admiration for her family.
The turnaround in Heath White’s life is surely confirmation: All life is precious. All life is a gift and God is good … all the time.
Yesterday was World Down Syndrome Day. In a post I wrote last year, The Quest for Perfect, I included a video link that featured my niece, Charlotte (shown to the left).