Hundreds Offer To Adopt Baby With Down Syndrome To Save It From Abortion

Amazing to see so many people offer to save a child prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome. If only more families would offer their baby up for adoption, as there are hundreds of families waiting to adopt a baby with DS.

Of course there will be negativity to this also, as I saw one article that was totally hating on the idea of saving a baby with Down syndrome from an abortion. So sickening. Reminds me of this song.

Hundreds call to adopt Down syndrome baby, save it from abortion

When the Rev. Thomas Vander Woude learned about a young couple planning to abort their unborn baby that had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, the priest reached out and offered a deal: Deliver the child and he would help find an appropriate adoptive family.

But he had to act fast.

The woman, who has not been identified for her privacy and her protection, was just shy of six months pregnant and lives in a state that prohibits abortions past 24 weeks — which meant he had a short time to find a family willing to make a lifelong commitment.

So Father Vander Woude, the lead pastor at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Va., approached a volunteer who helped manage the church’s social media pages, and she posted an urgent plea on Facebook early Monday morning.

“There is a couple in another state who have contacted an adoption agency looking for a family to adopt their Down Syndrome unborn baby. If a couple has not been found by today they plan to abort the baby. If you are interested in adopting this baby please contact Fr. VW IMMEDIATELY,” the post read. “We are asking all to pray for this baby and the wisdom that this couple realize the importance of human life and do not abort this beautiful gift from God.”

The post asked people to call the church’s office after 9:30 a.m. Monday or to email Father Vander Woude.

No one expected the response they received.

“When we got in and opened up around 9:30, it was nearly nonstop. All day long, we were receiving phone calls from people who wanted to adopt the baby,” church staff member Martha Drennan said. “Father Vander Woude has gotten over 900 emails in regard to the baby.”

The offers were narrowed to three families, which the unborn child’s parents are reviewing with the help of an adoption agency.

Ms. Drennan said the church received phone calls from all over the United States and around the world, including from England, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands.

“I think it is a wonderful use of social media, that word can so quickly get all over the country and even to foreign countries and that the people who see the value of life are stepping up and saying, ‘I will take that baby and raise that baby as mine,’” Ms. Drennan said. “It was a beautiful witness all day long that so many people wanted this child and believed in the dignity of that child — Down syndrome or not.”

The president and founder of the International Down Syndrome Coalition, Diane Grover, stressed the importance of informing couples who are considering abortion for babies with Down syndrome that adoption is a viable option, pointing to the fast and overwhelming response her organization received about this one unborn child as an amazing example.

“When [couples are] in that position, a lot of people wonder if their child [with Down syndrome] would actually get adopted,” Ms. Grover said. “There’s a lot of people waiting, and we are happy to always help.”

David Dufresne, a seminary student who plans to become a priest next year, volunteered to help the overwhelmed church staff take calls.

“I was taking calls for about three hours straight, just talking to people who are willing to adopt this little baby they never knew about until that morning,” Mr. Dufresne said. “I mean, all day long, just receiving phone calls from people who were so generous and within a couple minutes made a life-changing decision. I was really inspired by the goodness of people and what they would do to save a life.”



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It's Not A Choice. It's A Baby Who Just Happens To Have Down Syndrome.

Every few months I get a call from someone who either has just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their baby or is just finding out about TNI.

Yesterday I received a call from a mother who is just a few months along in her pregnancy and had received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome for her unborn baby. I had a good, long conversation with her about what she can do for her baby.

But, some of the conversation dealt with the diagnosis, since it was still so fresh for her. She was discouraged because of the lack of support she had received and the comments to which people hinted towards abortion. She shared she had always been pro-life, so she was keeping her baby. But, I couldn’t sit here and be quiet over one of the comments she shared. I completely understand why she would be discouraged by the comments she has received.

She shared that one of her co-workers had said, "I'm so sorry! That is one of the worst things that could ever happen to you!"

*sigh*

People need to stop and think about what they are saying. This mother is in the very small percentage – 8% - of families who keep their baby after a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Yes, that’s right, 92% of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome have their hearts stopped by abortion and are thrown away as if they are not human.

People act like it’s the end of the world to have a child with Down syndrome. Really, folks, when that child is born, it is just.a.baby. That baby, has eyes, ears, a nose, a mouth, hands, feet, legs, arms, just like you and me. It’s a human. That baby wants to be held and loved by its mother as every other newborn does. That baby needs love and care. It needs its diaper changed. That newborn depends on its mother just like every other baby born does, for love, care, nourishment, protection and its voice. You or I could’ve been born with a third chromosome. That child did not choose to have a third 21st chromosome. God chose to give that child an extra chromosome. It’s time to lighten up, start loving, have compassion on that unborn life, be that baby’s voice and realize that all children are a blessing.

You know what, just because someone might take life a little slower, doesn’t justify ending that baby’s life. It can be a good thing to slow down and appreciate the small things in life more.

Sure, there are health concerns that are associated with Down syndrome. The concern for that is understandable, but does that justify snuffing out that little one’s life? To kill a helpless life that cannot speak for itself? No, it’s time to help that child and be that child’s voice, to protect and care for that baby.

Someone can end that life within their womb because of a diagnosis of a third chromosome. But, it’s not justified, it is wrong and they will be held accountable for their acts. God gave that mother a gift. It’s not a choice. It’s a life. It’s a child. It’s a helpless baby.

I look at my brother and see what a huge blessing he has been from the moment he was born. I cannot even begin to fathom how someone could be so cold to kill (abort) such a helpless life, who had nothing to do with having an extra chromosome. Society has promoted that it’s the “mother’s choice”, but no one seems to remember that there is a baby inside of that womb who is a person. Where is that baby’s choice?

Instead of falling into the 92% of families who abort their babies who are prenatally diagnosed with Down Syndrome, I beg any expectant mothers who run across this blog, to protect that baby who is prenatally diagnosed and be a voice for that baby.

Let's celebrate this baby, who just happens to have a diagnosis of Down syndrome, and sing its birthday song when it's born. Instead of being another birthday song that is unsung, because a child was thrown away, torn up and had its heart stopped. Simply because someone didn’t have the love to care for a child who was a little different.

As I sit here and type through the tears, I realize this post may upset some people, but I will not apologize for speaking up for those babies whose hearts are stopped at the hand of violence, and who suffer for wrong, cloaked in the name of ‘choice.’  I’m not afraid to speak up for the unborn babies who have their bloodshed and are torn up by such a shameful, heartless act. Because it’s not her choice, therefore I will not keep silent.

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Beating Heart/Who Do You Think You Are? Music Video

A couple months ago my good friend wrote an anti-abortion song called "Beating Heart." It's a moving song. My sister put a music video together shortly before the New Year and she did an amazing job.

It brings me to tears anytime I watch it. So incredibly sad that so many people are so cruel and heartless.

I'd encourage everyone to watch it, although it's not for the faint-hearted.



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31 for 21: Full day.

Well, I have a few topics I'd like to blog about, but it's getting super late, so it'll have to wait! I'll just share this video, which I've watched a few times and cried I think each time :(!




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31 for 21: Digging up an Old Article

I was looking at our website and some of the articles I have on there and thought I'd dig this one up out of the archives.  Back in 2007, when I was 17 years old, I read an article called, "What it Really Takes to Raise a Child with Down Syndrome." This article disgusted me, so I wrote a response. The response I wrote was published on AssociatedContent.com and also here on the blog.


The Joy of Raising a Child with Down Syndrome!

I read the article “What it Really Takes to Raise a Child with Down Syndrome” and something did not sit well with me about it. It is because I have a sweet little brother with Down syndrome and I have first-hand experience on what it takes to raise a child with Down syndrome. I do not know whether the author of this article does or not, but she did not give a very good picture of an individual with Down syndrome. This article did point out that there are a lot of therapies that are now available for those with Down syndrome, which is good.

There are a few things that I wish to point out:

~ “Then they are faced with the decision of whether or not they would be able to care for all of the needs of the baby by themselves. . . . Of course this article is in no way suggesting that you should not raise your own child, but instead it will highlight exactly what would be required on the part of the parent. It is up to the parent in order to decide if they can handle the situation or if they will need help, or if they just can not deal with the situation.”

This article surely is giving a perspective about Down syndrome that is not completely accurate. God is the one who creates every person, even those who have Down syndrome. Most any parent is capable of raising a child with a handicap. God is the one who has given that family the child with a handicap, whether it is Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, etc. It is extremely unfortunate though, that in our world, about 90% of babies with Down syndrome are murdered (aborted). I wish this weren’t so! But, part of the problem arises when doctors do not give the parents accurate and true information regarding Down syndrome. The information they give paints a sad, often inaccurate, picture. This is part of the problem with this article, as is shown below.

~ “First of all you will need to realize that someone will have to be with your baby all of the time. Even as they grow older they will need constant supervision and attention . . . One thing that parents need to keep in mind is that children with Down syndrome do not grow or learn at the same rate as other children their age.”

The above statements are just not true for the entire population with Down syndrome. There are some individuals who need much help, much supervision, and do not grow or learn at the same rate as other children their age. But, there are also other individuals who excel, who live on their own, who hold a job, who get married, who do grow and learn at the same rate as other children their age.

My brother does not need constant supervision because of his Down syndrome. He’s similar to any other two-year old. He’s not stupid, he understands a lot, actually. I understand that some situations may not make it capable for someone to give “constant supervision” to their child, if that is needed, but it is not always needed. Besides, with the world we live in today, there are many options available for parents. If someone really loved their child, whether they have DS or not, they would be willing to be there for them whenever their child needed them, given that the circumstance permits.

My brother with Down syndrome does grow at the same rate as his twin sister (who does not have DS). He does learn the same things she does. He is involved in everything the family does and he is not put off to the side to be able to do things that only he can do. If we would have listened to the negative information we received when my brother was diagnosed with DS, we may not have tried as hard to do certain things with him. He may have not learned to walk until over 2 years of age, but instead God blessed him and us and he learned to walk at 17 months (which isn’t too different than children without DS). You cannot listen to false and negative “expectations”, because there are many times when these are not true. There are some things which he is slower in and there are some things which he exceeds in more than she. But, what does that matter? There are children who do not have Down syndrome who are slower in learning and who don’t grow at the same rate as other children their age. My brother does require more work, care, patience, love and diligence, but I praise God for him and am so thankful to have a brother with Down syndrome.

One thing which my brother does exceed in more is his joy, his love and his happiness. He is so happy and content the vast majority of the time. He loves to give kisses to everyone and greet most who arrives at our house. He makes people smile when he looks at them with his big, round eyes, his chubby cheeks, his cute face that is totally part of his big smile and funny faces he makes. How can you resist such a sweet boy? It would be great if more people were as happy and content as he.

My point is that you cannot make a flat out statement with all of these “do not’s.” There are a lot of “do’s.”

~ “You will also have to get your child checked by their doctor on a regular basis. Most children who are born with Down syndrome also have other health problems or may develop additional health problems later on.”

This is true, that most children with Down syndrome are either born with health problems or develop them later on. This is, in part, why children with Down syndrome (as do other children) need a loving parent and family who are willing to do all they can for their child. My brother’s health problems have been minimal, all by God’s grace. But, thankfully, in this day-and-age, there is much which can be done for individuals with Down syndrome. Cardiologists for heart problems, ENT’s for ear, nose and throat problems, speech therapists for building the oral muscles and helping them speak, physical and occupational therapists to help with building their muscles and making them excel in both gross and fine motor skills, TNI to help their immune system and much, much more.

Sincerely,

Qadoshyah Fish

Sister to a wonderful little boy with Down syndrome!





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31 for 21: Beating Hearts.

This song, which is sung by some dear friends, sums up how I feel about abortion. It brings me to tears almost every time I listen to it.

To think that people could be so heartless to just kill a baby because they aren't "perfect" or aren't "wanted" is sickening.

92% of babies with DS are aborted. That is just a small number of those babies who are killed.

The modern holocaust has caused the death of over 50 million babies since Roe v. Wade became law.

Sigh.




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Pro-Life? 100% Pro-Life?

I typically do not post political topics on this blog, but because I feel this has a lot to do with the future of our country, including individuals with Down Syndrome, I feel this is necessary to share. I won't constantly post about this. I feel there may be some who won't like me for posting this, which is fine with me. And there are others who will be very glad I posted this.

What if there was a presidential candidate who was so pro-life, that he wanted to repeal Roe v. Wade? What if there was a presidential candidate who was so pro-life, that he wanted to make a Congressional Act that would define that life starts at conception?

Could you imagine, if the above two things were done, how many more babies could be born, because abortion would federally be illegal? Could you imagine instead of 9 out of 10 babies with Down Syndrome being aborted, that all of them may be born, because abortion would not be legal?

Right now, that seems like such a far cry and it is with the sad state of our nation. But, there is one candidate who wants to change that. He wants to give life & liberty to everyone, especially the unborn.

This man's name is Texas Congressman Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who is absolutely 100% pro-life. He is an OB/GYN who has delivered over 4,000 babies. He is right on with so much more and he wants to Restore Freedom to America. Please look into Ron Paul. Vote for Freedom. Vote Ron Paul 2012. You can find more details on my other blog here.

www.ronpaul2012.com

www.facebook.com/ronpaul

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Lawmakers Call For Increased Down Syndrome Research

Thought I would put this up here as an FYI:

Lawmakers Call For Increased Down Syndrome Research
By Michelle Diament

August 1, 2011

A set of new bills introduced in Congress would establish first-ever centers for studying Down syndrome and boost research of the chromosomal disorder, a move supporters say will correct a funding inequity.

Since 2000, the Children’s Health Act has specifically authorized research for several conditions including autism, epilepsy, asthma and fragile X syndrome, but not Down syndrome.

Now, two bills introduced late last week by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., could change that.

The legislation would allocate $30 million annually for the National Institutes of Health to establish six centers of excellence for Down syndrome research.

Moreover, the federal agency would be required to create and update a Down syndrome research plan every five years and the bills call for the establishment of three research databases.

The move is an effort to help level the playing field when it comes to the allocation of research dollars. Historically, advocates say that funding for Down syndrome has lagged behind that of other conditions.

Last year, the National Institutes of Health tagged $28 million to study Down syndrome, $6 million of which came from economic stimulus efforts.

At the same time, more than three times as much money went toward cystic fibrosis research, even though that condition affects just 30,000 Americans compared to some 400,000 with Down syndrome.

For McMorris Rodgers, increasing the federal focus on Down syndrome has special meaning, as her son Cole, 4, has the developmental disorder.

“I’m quite concerned that so many of the researchers in the Down syndrome field have difficulty getting funded,” McMorris Rodgers told The New York Times in an article published just last week. “My fear is that for some, they believe that it’s been taken care of through prenatal diagnosis.” (note: that's sad, although it is a reality)

It’s unclear when the legislation may be considered in Congress. But the bills do have bipartisan support — a key to getting legislation passed in recent times — with co-sponsors Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, on board.

Those backing the bill say some senators have expressed interest in presenting similar legislation before that body, though nothing has been introduced yet.




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Saving Down Syndrome

A New Zealand group has formed called Saving Down Syndrome. The goal of the group is to counteract the genetic screening which the New Zealand government has recently pursued to find out about the diagnosis of Down Syndrome prenatally.

As I've said numerous times on here before, I have no problem with prenatal testing for Down syndrome if the goal is to help and better improve the life of the baby with Down syndrome. But, unfortunately, most of the time, the child is aborted and not helped. As the statistics show time and again 90% of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted.

It's sickening and sad.

Here's a quote about what Saving Down Syndrome is trying to do:

At savingdowns.com we advocate for the life of people with Down syndrome from conception to natural death.

We are a New Zealand based group of parents and siblings of people with Down syndrome. We have formed in response to the New Zealand Government's new state funded eugenic antenatal screening programme that targets and identifies unborn children with Down syndrome for selective abortion. Were in the news for standing for the life of people with Down syndrome.

As reported on TV3 News we lodged an application with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 29 June 2011 against the screening programme. The ICC has confirmed that this application is being considered. The Office of the Prosecutor has been asked to investigate and intervene in the Ministry of Health's antenatal screening programme, as it persecutes against people with Down syndrome through the prevention of their births.

The eugenic nature of the screening programme was exposed in TV3's 60 Minutes documentary on 12 June 2011 “Down but not out''.

The 60 Minutes documentary was introduced with the statement “people with Down syndrome may soon disappear from the face of the earth.'' 60 Minutes revealed the new screening programme was introduced without public consultation and the Ministry of Health “did not bother'' asking the opinion of anyone who has Down syndrome, about the programme.

Mike Sullivan, father of three-year-old Rebecca Sullivan who has Down syndrome, featured in the 60 Minutes documentary. He said people with Down syndrome and other disabilities are human beings who live full and rewarding lives. “They must be treated on an equal basis with other members of our society, without any form of discrimination.''

De-Anne Jensen, mother of three with her oldest son having Down syndrome also featured on 60 Minutes. “Government documents say it costs less not to have children with Down syndrome around, so it looks like they are working to do away with Down syndrome. It's cheaper; you don't have to pay for the special needs things. The Government and medical experts are putting a monetary value on our baby's lives,'' Mrs Jensen said.

The complaint references Government Cabinet papers obtained under the Official Information Act stating the outcomes of the programme will be a reduction in the number of births of people with Down syndrome, with around 90% of unborn children diagnosed with the condition being terminated. The persecution of an identifiable group of the civilian population through the prevention of births is specifically prohibited under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which New Zealand is signatory.

The programme is promoted and funded by the government at a cost of $9.4M per year, or around $75,000 per unborn child diagnosed with Down syndrome.

We are supported by parents of children with other disabilities that are being similarly targeted and other organisations who support their concerns.

Our position statement is that genetic screening must not be used to prevent the birth of unborn children with Down syndrome, or cause harm to any unborn child.

We recognises genetic testing may help some parents prepare for the birth of a child with Down syndrome. Any testing must respect the life and integrity of the unborn child, cause no harm, be only directed towards safeguarding or healing the unborn child and be presented in a way that does not discriminate against people with Down syndrome or any disability. Any testing must be developed in full engagement with those with Down syndrome.

Down But Not Out

Last year, New Zealand introduced a new blood test as part of an improved screening programme for Down Syndrome. But a group of parents provocatively calls it eugenics; the practice of selective breeding of the human race. Because worldwide data shows the better the testing programme, the more Down Syndrome pregnancies are terminated.

60 Minutes reporter Paula Penfold meets those who live with Down Syndrome to see what kind of lives they do lead, and asks the question at the heart of the issue: should they, or shouldn't they have been born?

You can watch the video at this link.

As I've said before, I would agree that improved screening will more than likely equal a higher rate of abortion for prenatally diagnosed babies with Down syndrome. Statistics already show that. over 90% of babies with Down syndrome prenatally diagnosed are aborted. And it's really disheartening.

It would be great if the testing was accepted and provided as a way to provide the best possible care for the unborn baby. But, our society is so turned on it's head, that's it's used for the opposite, to destroy the baby.

Another article on the "new test"

There came through yet another news article on the "less invasive" & "safer" test which is being developed to search for Down syndrome.

I'm not going to put the whole article here, but I will quote & comment on a few portions of it. You can view the full article here.

"He said the cheaper and quicker method of blood sampling rather than collecting fluid from the womb will encourage more couples to take the test and therefore slowly eradicate the disease."

Ummm, excuse me?! "Slowly eradicate the disease"? That's sick. Obviously this doctor does not believe babies with Down syndrome should live. How about "This test will be more accurate to be able to improve the health & cognition of babies with DS in the womb."

It's not like Down syndrome is some contagious disease that causes harm to the family the child is born into (besides something like that could be cured with the technology we have today most likely). It's just an extra chromosome. And the child had no control over how they were developed. That's all up to God.

"There is no cure, so this is a test for couples who want to know and prevent it, they are the ones who must decide on the fate of the pregnancy."

Disgusting. So, because a child may be born with an "imperfection" and something that can't be "cured," there's no reason to keep the life of that child?!

It would be better if these doctors spent their time trying to find a cure or at least something that would massively help babies with Down syndrome. But, no, they'd rather just get rid of people with Down syndrome all the way.

This makes my blood boil. Why? Because this "disease" they're trying to eradicate is associated with a human being. They are destroying a life.

My brother is a blessing. A huge blessing. Life without him would be minus the HUGE blessing he is.

Mom's blood test can reveal Down syndrome

Here's yet more research on ways to prenatally detect Down syndrome. Just to add to the 92%+ abortion rate of prenatally diagnosed babies with Down syndrome. 

Completely disgusting!

Advancements in medicine have been amazing, but at some point the science seems to have usurped the need for human care.  A health science degree has become synonymous with cold, calculating reason as opposed to a common part of the human existence. With 1 in 691 babies being born with Down Syndrome in the US every year, it is important that detection no longer be the only goal for health science professionals. In devoting more study to those who live with Down Syndrome, the extra 21st chromosome could have a cure not solely be the cause for concern.

Ya know, I'd be all for prenatal testing if it was there strictly to help the unborn child. For the mother to be able to take supplements to be able to help that baby be born as healthy as possible. Because, the babies whose mothers do keep them when diagnosed prenatally, and take prenatal TNI supplements, are born with fewer heart defects & better muscle tone. So, they are already on a better start with better health. 

But, no, of course, the medical research isn't going for that. 

Sigh.

Study: Mom's blood test can reveal Down syndrome

NEW YORK — Scientists in Europe report they were able to diagnose Down syndrome prenatally by giving a simple blood test to pregnant women, an approach that might one day help them avoid the more extensive procedure used now to detect the condition.

The preliminary report published online Sunday in the journal Nature Medicine is the latest of several recent studies that suggest scientists can spot Down syndrome through fetal DNA that has been shed into the mother's bloodstream.

Down syndrome, which results in cognitive delays, is caused by having an extra copy of a particular chromosome. Currently, pregnant women get blood tests and ultrasound to find out if the fetus is at risk for Down syndrome. For a firm diagnosis, doctors take a sample of amniotic fluid or the placenta.

Those sampling procedures involve a small risk of miscarriage. A reliable diagnostic blood test also could give an answer earlier than the standard tests.

Several research teams have published studies suggesting that analyzing the mother's blood can detect Down syndrome in a fetus. There's no commercial test available yet, but at least one company hopes to introduce one in the U.S. within about a year.

In the latest report, scientists in Cyprus, Greece and England said that in a blind test, they correctly identified 14 Down syndrome cases and 26 normal fetuses.

They said a bigger study is needed to confirm the usefulness of their approach.

Will babies with Down syndrome slowly disappear?

Recently a new study came out with a more accurate (& safer) test to detect Down syndrome prenatally. Dr. Skotko posted on the Children's Hospital Boston blog regarding this new test and I thought I would share it.

It's sad that they would be looking to find a more accurate & safer test, because most of the time the tests are not used to help the child, but rather to abort the baby. As Dr. Jerome Lejeune said, he was disappointed that his research which found what caused Down syndrome was not being used to help these individuals, but rather to selectively get rid of them.

Yes, Dr. Lejeune's discovery of Trisomy 21 has been able to guide some research to find ways to help people with Down syndrome. But, the vast majority of Down syndrome research, is focused on ways to reduce & get rid of babies with Down syndrome.

Dr. Skotko has a sister with Down syndrome and has done a lot of study on prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Will babies with Down syndrome slowly disappear?

Written by Brian Skotko, MD, MPP

(Children’s Hospital Boston Clinical Genetics Fellow, Down Syndrome Program)

Last week a breaking study in the British Medical Journal offered a glimpse into our reproductive futures: soon, a non-invasive test will allow expectant mothers to know whether their fetus has Down syndrome.

Current prenatal tests for Down syndrome are invasive and can potentially cause a miscarriage, making them undesirable for many women. But now scientists have learned how to quantify the fetal copies of the 21st chromosome, the genetic basis for Down syndrome, with a simple blood test taken in the first trimester. These tests would be safer, faster, and, most likely, cheaper than anything available today.

While the research brings a scientific breakthrough, the prenatal tests also usher in a provocative question: will the births of babies with Down syndrome begin to decrease because of this testing? Since the new tests are non-invasive, researchers believe that the overwhelming majority of expectant parents will pursue such testing. And, with the tests being safer and cheaper than current methods, insurance companies will most likely have no problem defraying costs for anyone who wants one. As a result Down syndrome will most likely become a prenatal discovery for nearly all pregnant women. And, when prenatal testing does confirm that the child will be born with Down syndrome, more expectant parents will need to decide:  should we continue or terminate our pregnancy?

Part of their decision will be based on the information they receive about Down syndrome from their medical providers. Yet, the majority of medical students argue that they get minimal education on children with intellectual disabilities; and nearly half of obstetric fellows claim their residency training is “barely adequate” to “nonexistent” in terms of how to counsel would-be parents of a child with intellectual disabilities. Some physicians who do routinely deliver a prenatal diagnosis also admit to purposely describing Down syndrome in negative terms. Not unexpectedly, then, many mothers feel that they receive inadequate, incomplete and sometimes offensive information about children with this condition.

Currently, 92% of all women worldwide who receive a definitive prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to terminate their pregnancy. Based on those numbers, what does the future hold for the Down syndrome population once the new prenatal tests are available? The answer lies nestled in profoundly personal decisions, but still raises an important question, one that will be asked more and more frequently as other forms of prenatal testing come to the market: which forms of human genetic variation are valuable, and which are not?

Broken Record

Sometimes I feel like I may sound like a broken record, especially when it comes to the plight of the orphans around the world. But, it is something that is very important to me and I will keep talking about.

When my grandparents were here, my grandma was sharing some stories from her childhood. She had a brother who had mental retardation due to something that happened at birth. Back when he was born in the 1930's, America had mental institutions. And it was looked down upon to raise a child like him. Just like it is still in other countries around the world. My grandma's family had a bad stigma around them because her parents raised her brother.

Her mother was encouraged to put him in an institution type of thing when he was an early teen because they would teach him school and he would supposedly do well. Yeah right. She put him in there for a little bit, but hated it. And then ended up bringing him home because he wasn't being taught . . . it was a mental institution.

When my grandmother was telling us this, I couldn't help but think of the orphans who still live the plight of a mental institution and orphanage, even to this day. Yeah, America may not do it anymore and we have come a long ways in that regard, but loads of other countries still do it.

America has just changed what is done with children who have disabilities, namely Trisomies. Instead of putting these children into orphanages or institutions, they are murdered (aborted) 90% of the time a prenatal diagnosis is found.  Because many people still are scared of a child who has a disability. And reject the fact, that God is the one who made them with an extra chromosome. There's nothing that the child could do about it anyway!

Instead of being put into a horrible place to live, where there is hardly any love, where they are starved of proper nutrition and adequate food, and basically die a slow death, they are killed as soon as the diagnosis is found out. Except for the 10% of families who choose to keep their baby after they are given the diagnosis.

So, in these other countries around the world, like many Eastern European countries, you can see the children starved and you can see them dieing a slow death until they are rescued through adoption.

This is the reality of the orphanages in many countries:

How old would you say this little girl is? A year old? Give or take a little.

No, she just turned 5 years old. Yes, you read that right . . . F-I-V-E years old. And she weighs 15 lbs. Her family just adopted her and was able to take her out of the orphanage for good this past week. Just in the nick of time before she would be transferred to a mental institution where she would've very likely died quickly. She will now know the love of a family, instead of her small world of living in a crib.

Down Syndrome: What You CAN Do is available at Amazon!

Our book which we recently published, Down Syndrome: What You CAN Do is now available through Amazon! It took a few months to get it into Amazon, but we are very glad to announce that it is finally there.

You can see the book at this link:

Down Syndrome: What You CAN Do by Qadoshyah Fish

We also have full color flyers printed that can be included in new parent packets, or just to hand out to anyone you feel would be interested. Feel free to email (qf @ gotdownsyndrome.net - remove spaces) if you would like some mailed to you!


Qadoshyah

Two interesting articles

I came across these two articles through my Google Alerts. They are so opposite of each other, it's amazing!

I like the bill that is being proposed in this first article:

Bill Would Change The Way Doctors Perform Abortions

Posted: Jan 23, 2009 10:12 AM

Updated: Jan 23, 2009 02:52 PM

By Megahn Snyder

A northeast Kansas lawmaker plans to introduce a bill Monday that would change the way doctors perform abortions.

Wade Hapgood, spokesperson for Kansas House Republican Caucus, says the bill is called the Woman's Right To Know And See Act. He says it would require doctors to show women sonograms and allow them to hear the fetus' heartbeats a half hour before an abortion.

Representative Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe) says he has nearly 40 cosponsors from across the state. Hapgood says the lawmaker is also working on getting support from democrats for the bill.

But, the second news article is sickening:

Obama reportedly will reverse abortion 'gag rule'

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 23, 2009 10:58 AM

President Obama didn't do it symbolically on the anniversary Thursday of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the United States.

But he plans to sign an executive order today ending the ban on federal funds for international groups that promote or perform abortions, the Associated Press and others are reporting.

The expected move reverses the rule put in place by the Bush administration. Republican and Democratic presidents have been changing the rule like a ping-pong ball.

Abortion rights groups, which supported Obama during the campaign with money and volunteers, have been pushing for the change in the policy, which bars US taxpayer money from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling, or referrals about abortion.

Qadoshyah

Abortion

I was at the babycenter.com Down syndrome forum and I happened to go over to the Terminations For Medical Reasons forum. Oh boy, what a sickening forum that is!

I was reading the messages posted on that forum and it makes me so mad! I sent a note to a couple mothers on there. Particularly one mother who is scheduled to have an abortion because her baby was diagnosed with Trisomy 21. I sent her a note in hopes that maybe, possibly, she would change her mind and not abort her baby. I also sent her the link to our book, in hopes that it would give her accurate information about Down syndrome.

As I was reading some of the messages, I was amazed at how many of these women aborted their pregnancies because of a T21 diagnosis. Most of the terminations I read about were because of Down syndrome. I knew the abortion rate for babies with Down syndrome was high (90%), but it really hit home when I was reading these posts . . . "I terminated a T21 pregnancy too."

It makes my blood boil when I see this! It's disgusting and also very sad.

These women are saying how they think about their baby they aborted all the time, they wonder how he/she would have been, and on and on. They are totally lying to themselves to think they "loved" their child. Anyone who really loved their child would not abort. If these women only continued their pregnancies, they would hopefully see that it's not such a "big, bad thing" to raise a child with Down syndrome.

I left a nice comment in response to one of the posts about terminating a T21 pregnancy. Of course the comment was deleted very quickly and the owner of the forum sent me a note. She was obviously irritated with me (she had aborted for T21 also). We went back and forth a couple times and it ended (at least on my end) with me giving her an earful. She was completely advocating for abortion . . . and abortion of a T21 baby. She made me so mad!

Qadoshyah

1/18/09 - National Sanctity of Human Life Day

January 18th was the National Sanctity of Human Life Day. The release from the President is below.

This is interesting to note, especially with the incoming president who is anything but pro-life. Obama wants to sign into law the Freedom of Choice Act. FOCA will make all state laws concerning abortion void, including parental consent and much more. It would be just one more horrible law.

National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

January: National Birth Defects Awareness Month

I came across an article at healthnews.com through my Google Alerts today.

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month.

The article below from healthnews.com is a good article, encouraging help for babies & mothers. But, the truth is that a major part of this so called, "prevention" includes abortion, whether the public wants to admit it or not. So, I thought I'd post this incase anybody has any ideas on any awareness that can be spread from the DS community. I know the awareness may not necessarily be the kind of awareness that is being encouraged, but nonetheless something may be able to be done I think.

I hope to be able to spread a lot of awareness this month by giving copies of our book to doctors, hospitals & even the general public.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month
By: Lara Endreszl
Published: Monday, 5 January 2009

Infants are by far the most fragile form of life that hospitals and families help bring into this world because they are new and have no way of telling us if something is wrong. November was Premature Baby Awareness Month and now it is no surprise that January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, because babies are a high priority.

A birth defect is defined as a structural, functional, or metabolism abnormality and several thousand of them have been recorded throughout history. As a leading cause of infant mortality including over 20 percent of all infant deaths in the United States each year, the impact of birth defects is greater than anyone would care to think about. There are 18 birth defects common to the rest of the infant population that survive the initial diagnosis and the estimated cost to provide care for those infants is more than $8 billion. According to the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) nearly 70 percent of birth defects are caused by unknown circumstances. Other causes include genetic and environmental factors or any combination of the two. Factors such as quality of life for the mother and baby, history of certain disorders, gene defects, etc, can all cause birth defects.

Research done by the NBDPN says that there are currently 37 states with operational birth defect facilities, 8 states with plans for operational facilities, and still 5 states without any functioning data centers for birth defect research. The main Centers for Birth Defects Centers for Research and Prevention are in the following states providing incredible investigations into trends among infants born with certain defects, innovative prevention tactics, and developing policies for children living with these disorders: California, Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York and Utah.

Each January the NBFPN develops a theme in which to provide information relating to birth defects and prevention in a concentrated way. The theme for 2009 is “Getting Fit for Pregnancy,” helping newly pregnant women to deal with the pressures of keeping their bodies healthy while eating for two or more. By spreading national awareness with their theme, many women can benefit from knowing the risks involved in carrying a baby by having the stress of excess weight on their bodies prior to conception. Obesity is a growing epidemic and women who fall into a specific weight bracket in conjunction with their age and height, tend to have riskier pregnancies as a result of the body’s added exertion and are more likely to have hypertension, preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.

With an estimated 120,000 babies born each year in America with birth defects, one in every 33 infants struggles to stay alive each day. Down syndrome, cleft lip or palate, and spina bifida are among the most common birth defects dealt with on a daily basis. Other birth defects include a type of dwarfism called Achondroplasia, a disease affecting connective tissue called Marfan syndrome, a nervous system disease called Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, heart defects, and other musculoskeletal, eye and gastrointestinal defects. To keep your children and their future children safe from birth defects, spread the awareness in order to garner attention and gain support and donations in order to open research facilities in all states and keep prevention—and future infants—healthy.

Qadoshyah

Article: 'Abortion is never an easy option: Why I aborted my first child'

What a terrible and sickening article!

She even admits that she killed her baby - "I pass Down's children on the street and think, 'I killed mine.'", but still says, "I remain certain that, for us, it was the right decision."

www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/you/article.html?in_article_id=513058&in_page_id=1908

'Abortion is never an easy option: Why I aborted my first child'

by KATHERINE MOBEY

YOU reader Katherine Mobey, 38, is a customer manager for a supermarket chain and her husband Neil, 35, is an operations manager for a recruitment company. Six years ago, they aborted their first child after it was diagnosed with Down's - a traumatic decision that took their marriage to breaking point. Here, Katherine tells their story...

Every mother can remember the moment when that blue line appears on the pregnancy test and, all of a sudden, you are contemplating a whole new future.

Neil and I had been married less than a year when, in 2001, I discovered I was expecting. We were so ecstatic, we immediately went out and bought three more tests - just to be sure.

The routine 12-week scan gave us the first sight of our baby and all appeared to be well. When we were offered the chance of another more detailed scan, we saw it as a bonus. There was no family history of complications, but it seemed wise to take every precaution.

The nuchal translucency scan - so called because it measures the nuchal folds at the back of the baby's neck to help detect Down's syndrome - was to be carried out at King's College Hospital in South London, and has to be done before you are 14 weeks pregnant.

My appointment was delayed when my GP surgery lost my notes and I made it just before the deadline.

The sonographer scanning me was calm and obviously experienced. I trusted her completely. But when she became quiet for a few moments, I knew instantly that something was wrong. She explained that my baby had exomphalos - a rare condition in which part of the intestine grows outside the body.

It was something that could be corrected by surgery, she said, but it could be an indicator of further problems. Neil was holding my hand. We were both in shock and I was crying. Four or five doctors poured into the room to look at the screen. I had become an exhibit.

A measurement of the nuchal folds revealed a one in 56 risk that my baby had Down's. To get a firm diagnosis, I was told I would need a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test.

This involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid and can accurately detect Down's and other chromosomal abnormalities. We agreed to have it done there and then. By the time we left the hospital, it was early evening.

As I walked on to the street, I was physically sick. It had been such a shattering experience. Driving home, I realised my relationship with my baby had changed.

Every pregnant woman wants the little person growing inside her to be perfect - but my dreams had turned into a fearful vision.

Neil and I stayed at home for the four days it took for the CVS results to come through. In the three years we had known each other, we had been so happy. Now, for the first time, a black cloud was hanging over us.

It was mid-afternoon when the midwife called. As soon as she told me it was bad news, I broke down. The baby was seriously affected by Down's as well as the intestinal complications.

We didn't know what its life expectancy would be or what medical treatment it would need, but we did know that we would not be able to cope with a severely disabled child.

Going ahead with the pregnancy wasn't even up for discussion. Neil stayed strong and made all the necessary arrangements.

I saw a consultant the following day and talked through the abortion procedure.

The delay caused by my GP losing my notes meant that, at almost 16 weeks pregnant, I had passed the safe threshold for a surgical termination and would have to go through an induced labour.

The first step was to take drugs that block the pregnancy hormones and stop the baby's heart beating. I was booked to return a couple of days later for the abortion itself.

Neil and my mother came with me. At Farnborough Hospital (now replaced by the Princess Royal University Hospital) in Kent, I was put into the side room of a maternity ward.

I couldn't see what was going on around me, but I was aware of healthy babies being born nearby. A pessary was inserted to bring on contractions and I was moved into a delivery room.

Mum sat on one side of me, knitting, Neil rubbed my feet and I had gas and air and some pethidine to ease the pain. I was told the labour would take up to 16 hours; in the event, it was only six. The midwife had asked me at the outset whether I would want to see the baby when it was born.

My reaction had been, "Oh God, no."

I know a lot of people name and cuddle their baby.

But I couldn't do it - hold the dead and deformed being that had been inside me. I never even found out the sex, although I have always thought of it as a girl. In the years since, I have struggled hugely with the way I rejected my baby. I know it was a dreadfully unmotherly thing to do.

At the point of delivery, Neil and Mum left the room. On his way back, Neil saw someone taking away the baby in a bundle of tissue down the corridor – presumably to the incinerator. He often talks about that moment and it is extremely painful for him.

Afterwards – and I know this will sound bizarre – we were elated. Mum and Neil were saying, 'Well done,' and relief flooded over me. For Mum, it had meant losing a grandchild, but she was totally supportive of our decision – her priority throughout was me.

When I left hospital the following day, I was given a leaflet on miscarriage – a mistake, but one that made me feel very alone.

Friends and colleagues were incredibly kind - no one has ever criticised me - but it was hard for many people to understand fully what we had been through.

I returned to work after a couple of weeks, but couldn't concentrate and kept breaking down in meetings.

My employers agreed to let me reduce my hours temporarily and King's College Hospital referred me to a psychotherapist. I saw her on and off for two years, and without her I don't think I would be where I am today.

There were three conflicting emotions that I had to deal with.

First, the guilt at having rejected my baby was foremost and overwhelming. Second, I was battling with a massive sense of failure - I am the third of four children, my elder brother and sister each had two healthy children, and my younger sister Pippa had just announced she was pregnant.

I could hardly bear to be around her. Losing the baby had become the catalyst for a whole mass of deeply rooted emotions.

My family were all academic high-achievers. I had done well, but not as well as them.

And Neil was my second husband - my first, to a boy with whom I was at school, had ended disastrously after a year.

I felt like the black sheep - the one who couldn't even get having a baby right the first time round.

My third irrational but very real feeling was that my body had been contaminated by having a sickly child in my womb.

I was desperate to replace the baby we had lost but, looking back, it was too soon for Neil. He had had to be strong for me, but no one was taking care of him.

He needed time out, but I was pushing and pushing to try for another baby, and after eight months, I fell pregnant with our daughter Honor.

The pregnancy was fine, and tests showed nothing untoward, but that didn't stop me having panic attacks. My life was consumed by the baby "project".

When Honor was born, I couldn't quite believe my 'contaminated' body had produced a healthy baby.

I was so focused on being a good mother that I was probably overprotective, and Neil ended up feeling abandoned.

On the surface, we looked like any other happy new parents, but underneath there was a build-up of problems that we weren't addressing.

Both of us were still struggling to come to terms with what we had been through.

I had had the support of therapy and a network of friends and family; Neil had me, but now that we had Honor I wasn't so available for him.

When Honor was a year old he left, saying he needed a break. It was a terrible shock. Until then, I hadn't stopped to acknowledge how troubled things were between us.

More than anything we needed to talk. Splitting up forced us to do that. I listened hard and realised that the pain lived on inside Neil, just as it did in me.

A month later he moved back, and it was tough but we were determined to make it work. I hope we will be together for ever, but I no longer assume anything. I've learnt there are no guarantees.

After a lot of thought, we've decided against having another baby. Honor is now aged four and wonderful, but my pregnancies were dark days and we don't want to go back there.

I no longer feel a failure. I'm proud that I have such a lovely family.

Having Honor was the proof my psyche needed that my body isn't contaminated.

But the guilt, I realise now, I will have for ever. I pass Down's children on the street and think, 'I killed mine.'

I know they can be wonderfully loving. There is no escaping the reality of what I did, or the way I mentally rejected my baby. The hospital took photos, but I have never seen them, and it feels too late to go back there now.

Abortion can never be described as an easy option. I still cry as though mine were yesterday.

And yet I remain certain that, for us, it was the right decision.