[Chad N. Freud]

I don’t think I’m speaking counter to the beliefs of many FReepers when I state that those with Downs Syndrome DO have an inherent human right to procreate.

What, after all, would “certain inalienable rights” mean?

... “Most cases of Down syndrome are not inherited. When the condition is caused by trisomy 21, the chromosomal abnormality occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells in a parent.

...

“Like trisomy 21, mosaic Down syndrome is not inherited. It occurs as a random event during cell division early in fetal development.

As a result, some of the body’s cells have the usual two copies of chromosome 21, and other cells have three copies of this chromosome.”

— http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/down-syndrome

[JohnBovenmyer]

I agree. Being fond of a cousin with Down syndrome, my only cousin to my knowledge to have earned the title of "Homecoming Queen," I was interested enough to google further. I wasn't sure how the extra chromosome would affect her chances, should she so choose. It seems my cousin has a 15-30% chance of being fertile and, if she succeeds, a 50% chance of another like her. History gives male Down syndrome patients 0% fertility; God says they have to settle for being uncles.