| If you are interested in reading about the condition | | | | Forty years ago, a family who had a new baby or |
| known as Down syndrome, by now, you have | | | | young child with Downs was routinely encouraged to |
| probably read the definitions and history of Langdon | | | | place the child in an institution. Today, prospective |
| Down's identification of the syndrome. You have | | | | parents who receive the diagnosis through prenatal |
| probably read medial articles that explain the | | | | tests are often encouraged to abort the child. Both |
| symptoms of Down syndrome, both physical and | | | | instances can be viewed as equally inhumane, in that |
| mental. You understand that the genetic condition | | | | the personhood of the child is not considered. |
| causes significant developmental delays. You have | | | | As medical technology has advanced, and society has |
| probably seen pictures of both adults and children | | | | advanced toward a more considerate appreciate and |
| with DS. | | | | acceptance of differences and disabilities, the |
| But no investigation into the topic of Down | | | | prospect of aborting a child with Down syndrome |
| syndrome is complete without delving into the actual | | | | seems backward thinking and inhumane. |
| lives of people and families who have been involved | | | | If you are pregnant and your doctor has suggested |
| with a person who has Down syndrome, or meeting | | | | prenatal testing, go for it. Even if you are staunchly |
| a few people who have the condition themselves. | | | | pro-life, the knowledge that you gain is valuable. |
| Viewing such folks on television does not count. | | | | Imagine, not having the tests, and suddenly being |
| If you have a new baby who has been diagnosed | | | | confronted with such a frightening diagnosis for you |
| with Downs, or have had prenatal testing that | | | | new baby. Chances are you would be shocked and |
| indicates that your child has Downs syndrome, do | | | | confused. |
| yourself a favor and find out what the condition | | | | But, if you are prepared ahead of time, you can |
| means in the real world. When you find out what it is | | | | research al the aspects of Downs syndrome so that |
| really like to live with a child or an adult who has | | | | you can greet your new baby without prejudice, |
| Down syndrome, you will be better able to cope with | | | | without worry, or the feat that can be devastating |
| the reality of the situation. | | | | without preparation. |
| Clinical and educational information is all well and good, | | | | Any child should be welcomed into the world with |
| but does not thoroughly inform you. | | | | acceptance and joy. A new baby deserves |
| First, read up on the subject. Read articles written by | | | | unconditional love and should not be introduced to |
| the parents of children with Down syndrome. Then, | | | | the world by anxious, fearful parents. |
| contact local organizations that can put you in touch | | | | In this life, we are all flawed. A child with Down |
| with families affected by Down syndrome. Talk to | | | | syndrome is first a child, everything else is secondary. |
| the parents of children with this developmental | | | | In any event, information will make life easier for you |
| disability. It may be very helpful to you to meet a | | | | and your child. |
| person who actually has Downs syndrome. | | | | |