Does every life have value? What of those whom society has labeled having disabilities? Does their life have just as much value as a “normal” person? What about those who say it’s the compassionate choice of not bringing a baby into this world if they know they will have disabilities?
When parents receive a diagnose from a medical professional saying they detect a disability in their preborn child, they are often pressured to choose abortion as the compassionate alternative. Yet, is it?
One such “disability” that often introduces this conversation to a pregnant mother is the diagnosis of Down Syndrome for their baby. With the standard prenatal testing, Trisomy 21, known as Down Syndrome, is one such diagnosis that can be identified. Many parents receiving this information experience fear, doubt and uncertainty as to the future. Prevalent messaging is those with Down Syndrome will not experience a good life and that it will be difficult for the family.
Statistics reveal that:
- In Iceland, there are only 1 or 2 babies born with Down Syndrome each year resulting in almost 100% percent termination rate.
- In Denmark, 98 percent of pregnancies with a Down syndrome diagnosis are terminated.
- In France, it’s 77 percent.
- In the United States, it’s 67 percent. (1)
Many times, abortion is decided because parents are often misinformed as to the beauty and love their child will bring to their family. Yet, they carry intrinsic value and there is a unique purpose and plan for their life. They are not a mistake. They are not a throwaway. They are a beautiful creation that should be cherished.
Sarah Hart Weir, President of National Down Syndrome Society notes, “In the U.S., people with Down syndrome continue to exceed expectations. Individuals with Down syndrome live independently, go to college, work in competitive jobs, get married, live to their full potential, and lead fulfilling lives.” (1)
Many families with a family member with Down Syndrome say their family unit is stronger, the siblings are more empathetic to others than their counterparts, and that their family is happier because of it.
“Research shows that parents raising a child with Down syndrome experience joy and satisfaction. Nearly 4 in 5 parents of children with Down syndrome report a more positive outlook on life as a result, according to a study from the American Journal of Medical Genetics. And 94 percent of siblings said they are proud of their brothers and sisters with Down syndrome.” (2)
Courtney Baker is one mother who received the diagnosis of Down Syndrome for her daughter. Listen as she shares her beautiful story.
When society determines who is valuable and who is not, a cruel world is ushered in where no one is safe.
We are not the determiner of who lives and who dies. We are not the Creator and Sustainer of life. Every human conceived has intrinsic value and is wonderfully made. Worth is inherent and each life deserves to be protected and cherished.
(1) https://www.healthline.com/health-news/the-debate-over-terminating-down-syndrome-pregnancies
(2) https://news.sanfordhealth.org/childrens/down-syndrome/
