Posted on 03/09/2006 5:38:33 PM PST by NYer
They have a broader range of IQ than most people think. Some are quite functional, but some cannot be toilet-trained until they are seven. There is one test where they shine a light through the child's head to determine how much gray matter is there--and sometimes it shines through to the other side.
I had creepy New York social workers trying to tell me that if I gave the child up, I would still end up supporting her forever. My sister worked through New Jersey Divison of Children's Services to have the baby adopted in New Jersey. The social worker at New York Hospital was fit to be tied. "We must know where this baby is going!"
Although the baby left foster care and ended up in an orphanage, I had faith, and eventually she was adopted by a family with three other children who lived in a nice suburb. One of the children took to my baby in a special way and worked with her on her lessons.
Five months later I was pregnant again and had amniocentesis--not because I ever intended to abort, just because I wanted to know ahead of time and not be surprised. I was concerned about the danger to the baby (I had heard there was a five percent danger), but New York Hospital assured me their rate was much lower than that.
She was normal (well, as normal as she can be, being my daugher, LOL) and was just 29 yesterday, on International Women's Day.
"Only when the mother's life is at stake, and rape."
If a child is conceived as a result of a rape, what is that child's crime that he deserves to be killed?
Your research into Down's Syndrome sounds extremely rewarding; I wish that anyone who would want to consider aborting such kids had the same experience.
Someday I would love to adopt some kids with Downs.
Wasn't it Algore who referred to the "Down's Syndrome" wing of the Republican Party?
I just saw the pic of your great grandson, and he is a beautiful little boy! Thank your granddaughter for me for giving birth to that precious one.
I have a cousin about the same age as me who has Down Syndrome along with several other medical problems. She was not suppose to live to be 6 months, then wasn't suppose to live to be 2, then wasn't suppose to live to be 5. She is over 40 now and is the sweetest person you would ever met. Remembers almost everybody she meets and always remembers personal details and always asks questions about them. She is just a joy to be around, and I respect my aunt and uncle for not giving up on her and doing everything to fight for her life.
Some of these kids are the most beloved of their parents. My cousin had Down's syndrome and my aunt's world revolved around him. I can say on thing, he was neat (made up his bed), polite and very sweet.
There's something wrong with that fragment.
"Should people who know they are having a baby with Downs Syndrome be allowed to abort?"
I didn't know doctors or Planned Parenthood employees were God.
When my son and daughter-in-law were expecting our granddaughter, the doctor, because he detected an abnormality in the bloodwork, suggested my daughter allow a test on the baby.
My son and daughter-in-law immediately because suspicious of the doctor's agenda. They believed, and still believe, that doctor was trying to maneuver them into a situation that, if there WERE abnormalities, he could push for an abortion. And we all think he was doing that to avoid a future lawsuit if my granddaughter was going to be a different kind of child. Fortunately, my son and daughter-in-law stood their ground against this monster.
Last night, my granddaughter walked all over the livingroom and played with a truck because her older brother likes trucks.
Yep. No disagreement from me.
"Quality of Life" mentality ping.
Yeah right. They told us our baby was probably going to be Downs due to some signs on my first ultrasound. The doctor wanted me to go for genetic counseling. I chose a hospital closer to home and asked if I could go there. She said "well, they won't abort at that hospital after 24 weeks". So that is where I went because I didn't want to deal with anyone who was making money off counseling and giving abortions. Turns out our son was born perfectly healthy. Guess they weren't so great at identifying it afterall.
After reading your profile page, I would say those would be awfully lucky kids. How refreshing, and eclectic. PS -- Just for the record, that We Five song was "You Were On My Mind." I still have my vinyl album!
Words well written
Just posted my story before reading yours. Obviously on this thread alone we have many examples of the false dire predictions physicians can issue. Glad to know we weren't the only ones who said it didn't matter even if the baby did have Downs, we were having the baby.
I see no reason why we should value the lives of people with Down Syndrome any less then we value the lives of anyone else. They are constant reminder of the innoncence that many of us have lost, and they find pleasure and enjoyment out of things that we take for granted. They are basically perpetual children, but is that such a bad thing, some may even consider it a blessing.
AAAAAAAMEN!!
"I don't support abortion in the case of rape, but last time I said that, the people who disagreed with me made me upset, and feel bad."
I know how you feel, but sometimes the price has to be paid.
Children with Down's Syndrome are by the vast majority the sweetest children you will ever meet. I have never met a Down's Syndrome child who wasn't one of gentlest, sweetest, most beautiful souls on the planet.
I have a Down's Syndrome Man come help in my first grade class every Friday. WHAT a WONDERFUL experience it is for us. The kids love him and he loves them. He teaches us every time he comes. The most touching times are when he looks at you with that big grin and says, "I love my life!"
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