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An estimated 90 percent of pregnant women who are told that they may be carrying a child with Down syndrome choose to abort the baby. This shocking statistic prompted Anne Downey, State Director for Concerned Women for America (CWA) of New York, to develop an educational brochure for expectant mothers and fathers.
The brochure, now available for free download at www.DownSyndromeBrochure.com, offers encouragement, a positive perspective, and a list of resources and support groups to help families learn more about their baby's opportunities.
Additional resources are available at the website, and those needing to order printed copies of the brochure for distribution can do so for a nominal fee. The brochure is available in English and Spanish.
Anne was struck with the concept for the brochure in the spring of 2007 when, while attending a church service, she was inspired by a young lady who has Down syndrome. She said, "As I sat there, the Holy Spirit hit me hard with the realization that 30 years from now there won't be many people with Down syndrome left. We will have killed most of them. I knew I had to take action, but I didn't know what to do, so I left it in the hands of the Lord to show me."
Shortly thereafter, Anne had the funding and the direction she needed to launch this mission. After consulting with the major Down syndrome groups and talking with families who are raising children with Down syndrome, Anne created a simple bi-fold brochure with the message, "When you've learned that your baby may have Down syndrome ... There is help and hope!"
The brochure is timely. In December 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a practice bulletin stating, "After the diagnosis of a chromosomal abnormality, the patient should receive detailed information, if known, about the natural history of individuals with the specific chromosomal finding. In many cases, it may be very helpful to refer the patient to a genetic counselor or clinical geneticist and national groups such as The National Down Syndrome Society (www.ndss.org) or National Down Syndrome Congress (www.ndsccenter.org) to help the patient make an informed decision."1
Anne's brochure will allow busy OB/GYN doctors and others to provide expectant mothers with easy-to-read information, including a list of the major Down syndrome groups and related resources, so that pregnant women and their families can obtain support when facing test results that indicate a possibility of Down syndrome.
Medical practitioners regularly use tests to screen pregnant women to determine the probability that their child bears a genetic abnormality. When the screening tests show that the probability of having a special needs child is favorable, further diagnostic tests, such as an amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or a special ultrasound, are suggested to give a more accurate reading.
When tests indicate the possibility of Down syndrome, some physicians will place pressure on a pregnant woman to have an abortion. Many expectant parents feel overwhelmed by such a prenatal diagnosis and may not understand that the test results can be inaccurate. They also may not understand the many opportunities and resources available today for people with Down syndrome. The result is a 90 percent abortion rate often based on lack of information, a lack of connecting with the excellent support services that are available, and/or outright pressure to abort.
Some physicians and patients have outdated information regarding what life holds for a child with Down syndrome in the 21st century. Advances in medical technology have led to better management and understanding of Down syndrome, and many individuals with this diagnosis lead productive lives with rewarding personal relationships.
The National Down Syndrome Society explains, "Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 live births, and more than 350,000 people in the U.S. have this genetic condition. One of the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormalities, Down syndrome affects people of all ages, races and economic levels. Today, individuals with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social and recreational aspects of our communities. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever before for individuals with Down syndrome to develop their abilities, discover their talents and realize their dreams."2
Anne's brochure reflects this positive outlook in words and through photographs of children and young adults with Down syndrome and their family members. She says, "The brochure features the faces of a number of children and adults with Down syndrome. Each of the people featured in the brochure came to me in a special way and has his or her own wonderful story to tell. In the photos you can see the joy that these young people and their family members have. Just looking at them, you can see that truly there is help and hope."
New parents need up-to-date information and support groups that consist of families who have walked this journey and can guide them. One such family has been a faithful testimony to this type of positive outlook and their story has encouraged countless people across our nation. This past spring, Alaska Governor and current Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin gave birth to a beautiful baby boy with Down syndrome.
Trig Paxson Van Palin was born April 18, 2008, to a loving and supportive family. The Palin family released the following statement after the birth of their son:
The Palin family is a wonderful example of a family who made the right choice to embrace their child and his future. Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America (CWA), commends Governor Palin, saying, "She is even more beautiful inside than out. Her proud and warm announcement of the birth of their special child revealed the depth of love and faith of this extraordinary woman. May God give America more women and statesmen like her.
"Special needs children can bring out the best in people. They draw out compassion, patience, a joy for the simple things in life in people around them," says Wright. "In some ways, we need special needs people more than they need us."
Children are a blessing from God and should be given the opportunity to grow and develop into the unique individuals that they were created to be. CWA defends the Sanctity of Life and believes that every child is important and has great value.
Please visit www.DownSyndromeBrochure.com to view Anne's new Down syndrome brochure, and download a free copy or order printed copies to distribute.
To get involved in CWA of New York, go to ny.cwfa.org or e-mail director@newyork.cwfa.org. If you would like to get involved with one of our other fine state organizations, please visit the CWA in the States site.
End Notes
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Concerned Women for America 1015 Fifteenth St. N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, D.C. 20005 Phone: (202) 488-7000 Fax: (202) 488-0806 Web: www.cwfa.org E-mail: mail@cwfa.org |
