abortion,
Today's society prides itself on embracing differences and being tolerant of others.
We look back at the strong racism that was prevalent in society with disgust, wondering how others could look down on someone and think of them as less, just because of our differences.
We wonder how anyone could have believed the lies of Nazi Germany, in thinking there could be a "perfect" human, and those with any sort of disability or weakness should be put to death for being "useless". But at the same time, our society is feeding us the same lies.
Society and individuals would be better off if children with disabilities are aborted.
Even though it isn't often said right out, it is believed by many. However, this statement is completely untrue.
Children with Down syndrome are being aborted too frequently, that there is talk of this syndrome being completely eradicated. Not because of some medical procedure, or fewer cases, but because these babies are being murdered. In many countries over 90% of them are aborted. And some people actually believe this is for the good of the child.
Why would someone believe that it is a good thing to murder someone because of how their brain works, or because they aren't "normal"? Well, down syndrome children are constantly being put into a box. They can't learn, they can't talk, they can't go to school, they can't get a job, they can't be happy. But they can! They can do all these things, and there are many cases where they have jobs, go to college or university, and even get married.
A study was done on the Self-Perceptions from people with Down Syndrome. It found that 99% were happy with their lives, and 97% liked who they are.
We are the ones who have problems with Down Syndrome, not those with the syndrome. We have goals, ideals, and a guideline for success. We think that success looks like a high-paying job, being married by a certain age, and having a certain standard of beauty. But isn't it time to realize that happiness & compassion are more important than all those things?
To find out more about the day to day life of a child with Down Syndrome, and their family, we have interviewed the mother of a child with the syndrome.
What is your favourite thing about your son?
The Life of a Child with Down Syndrome
Today's society prides itself on embracing differences and being tolerant of others.
We look back at the strong racism that was prevalent in society with disgust, wondering how others could look down on someone and think of them as less, just because of our differences.
We wonder how anyone could have believed the lies of Nazi Germany, in thinking there could be a "perfect" human, and those with any sort of disability or weakness should be put to death for being "useless". But at the same time, our society is feeding us the same lies.
Society and individuals would be better off if children with disabilities are aborted.
Even though it isn't often said right out, it is believed by many. However, this statement is completely untrue.
Children with Down syndrome are being aborted too frequently, that there is talk of this syndrome being completely eradicated. Not because of some medical procedure, or fewer cases, but because these babies are being murdered. In many countries over 90% of them are aborted. And some people actually believe this is for the good of the child.
Why would someone believe that it is a good thing to murder someone because of how their brain works, or because they aren't "normal"? Well, down syndrome children are constantly being put into a box. They can't learn, they can't talk, they can't go to school, they can't get a job, they can't be happy. But they can! They can do all these things, and there are many cases where they have jobs, go to college or university, and even get married.
A study was done on the Self-Perceptions from people with Down Syndrome. It found that 99% were happy with their lives, and 97% liked who they are.
"In our qualitative analysis, people with DS encouraged parents to love their babies with DS, mentioning that their own lives were good. They further encouraged healthcare professionals to value them, emphasizing that they share similar hopes and dreams as people without DS."
We are the ones who have problems with Down Syndrome, not those with the syndrome. We have goals, ideals, and a guideline for success. We think that success looks like a high-paying job, being married by a certain age, and having a certain standard of beauty. But isn't it time to realize that happiness & compassion are more important than all those things?
To find out more about the day to day life of a child with Down Syndrome, and their family, we have interviewed the mother of a child with the syndrome.
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What is your favourite thing about your son?
My son is loving, happy and appreciative. He has a wonderful ability to forgive and forget, to let bygones be bygones and move forward.
How does your son impact those around him, and bring joy to others?
My son brings out the best in others, that is compassion, smiles. People are relaxed around him and friendly towards him. He is very human in his feelings and relationships. While he loves to play-wrestle with his brothers he is kind and careful of others especially those smaller and weaker than himself.
What is your son's favourite pastime?
He enjoys and spends time playing with cars, 'reading', listening to music, radio, and audio stories. He also likes riding his bike and scooter, playing basketball with Special Olympics and other sports especially swimming.
If you were going to talk to the expecting parents of a child with down syndrome who were considering abortion, what would you tell them? Why would you say they should keep the baby?
Every child is a gift. Sometimes it is harder to see this until later.
What were some misconceptions you had about the syndrome, that you learned over the years to be incorrect?
I thought that it would be difficult for him to understand things. While he is slow to learn with patience he understands many things. I was concerned for his future but now we look forward to seeing him mature and become independent and self-determining. There is a lot of help available from community resources.
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