I've been reading some shocking statistics lately.
It's estimated that 80-90% of babies screened for Down Syndrome are aborted. Three babies are aborted every day due to Down Syndrome according to an article written in 2009.
Maybe I'm a little sheltered living here in the heartland of America, but I just find this unbelievable.
I cannot even express in words how my heart aches for all of those beautiful babies who were never given a chance in life.
I find myself grieving the loss.
When Maddie was first born, I think I have shared how amazing the Down Syndrome Association was in welcoming her to the world and inviting us to be a part of "the club."
Some wonderful families!
I purposely distanced myself though.
I didn't want our entire identity as a family to be just Down Syndrome.
I knew there was so much more to Maddie than just her diagnosis, and I feared focusing too much on that diagnosis.
But now that we've found our normal, it's time to rethink our involvement with advocacy.
I'm beginning to see that there is a lot of work to be done in educating other families faced with the decision to abort.
I have a feeling there is a lot of misinformation out there being told to these families.
I've heard doctors will often paint Down Syndrome in such a negative light, families feel its for the best to terminate the pregnancy.
I'm not exactly sure where God will lead me in all this, but I know I've at least taken the first step.
I contacted the Hope Pregnancy Center and given our names and this blog as a reference to anyone given the diagnosis of Down Syndrome who might have questions.
If you ever know anyone faced with the predicament of aborting a child with DS please tell them about Maddie!! Tell them how wonderfully healthy she is, and how she's capable of so many things. Tell them what an absolute joy she is and how she's affecting so many people's lives in a positive way!
I read that the country of Denmark is trying to create a country that is Down Syndrome-free. They abort the babies tested positive for the condition.
What a sad world without DS!!
I will add to my prayer list the gynecologist from Denmark who stated the number of newborns with Down Syndrome approaching zero is a "fantastic achievement."
I wish he could meet Maddie and I would show him a "fantastic achievement!!"
Hi Sam, I love reading your blog! My younger sister, Heather, has Down's. She is my favorite person in the world, and I cannot imagine my life without her. I too am always heart broken when I learn how many people choose to terminate pregnancies because they find out that their child has Down's Syndrome. It makes me feel as though people believe that Heather and people like her are not worthy of life. People all too often fail to realize that they or someone they love can become mentally or physically disabled at any point in life - not just at birth. Keep sharing your stories. I love reading them!
ReplyDeleteAmber Wooton-Clark
This is beautiful Sam,
ReplyDeleteYou are so passionate and clear. I think you are finding your way through your photograhy that shares the grace of Maddie, and your words that so eloquently share and document the everyday moments. I think advocating for life pulls your many talents together. Many will be in your corner, please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you. Lori Beasley
Hi Amber! How is Heather doing these days? Thanks for reading the blog! That's a great point...life can change at any point along the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dr. Beasley! Your support means so much to me.
ReplyDeleteSam,
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite organizations in the world is Reeces Rainbow. They advocate internationally for children with Down Syndrome and other special needs in countries where they are either routinely aborted or abandoned. It is such a lovely cause. Check them out sometime. :)
It is nice to know there is hope in the world.
Nicole Love
P.S. - The website is www.reecesrainbow.org if you ever want to check it out!