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More couples opt to keep Down's syndrome babies

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Marie Claire Lifestyle

There are more Down's syndrome babies being born than before pre-natal screening was common practice, new figures have shown.

The number of Down's births in 2006 stood at 749, an increase from 717 in 1989 when the pre-natal tests were introduced.

A survey of 1,000 parents was conducted by the Down's Syndrome Association to uncover why couples had chosen to go ahead with a pregnancy, despite a positive test result.

The results showed that a fifth of those quizzed had known someone with Down's, a third said their choice was down to religious or anti-abortion beliefs and 30% believed modern life for those suffering with Down's had vastly improved. Nearly one in five simply said they did not believe the test results.

The large majority of those surveyed said they felt supported in their decision to have a Down's syndrome baby by their family and friends and wholeheartedly believed that the stigmatism was less and the future much better for those with the syndrome.

Respondents cited integrated education as a particular change. One person commented: 'I don't subscribe to the notion of the 'perfect human being' and found the idea of selecting one child in preference to another abhorrent.'

Another wrote: 'I already felt a strong sense of responsibility for my unborn child and knew that I would love it and want it regardless of any additional needs it might have. I knew I could count on friends and family for support.'

The survey coincides with a BBC Radio 4 documentary entitled Born With Down's.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, said the survey demonstrated the extent to which changes in society influenced people.

'When I and others had our babies it was a very different world – those with Down's syndrome were treated very differently,' she said.

'Now there is much greater inclusion and acceptance, with mainstream education having a huge role.'

Born with Down's will be transmitted on Radio 4 at 8pm tonight.

Monday 24 November 2008

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Excellent Article!
Education and awareness is the key, we have come a long way in our understanding of Down Syndrome but we still have a long way to go. We are pleased to see these pro life decisions and we applaud the mothers for accepting their children as the person they happen to be. Often times people make a decision based on their emotions at a time when they are particularly vulnerable and the news is not exactly what they wanted to hear. The medical and heath care professionals need education here as well. There are options to ending a life and the professionals need to know how to deliver this news in a supportive manner. Governments must lead by example and introduce legislation and education that will show support and acceptance to make sure parents are not making the uninformed decisions they will regret for the rest of their lives!!.
Please allow notes for change
1-The correct term to use is Down Syndrome as opposed to Down's Syndrome (named after Dr. John Langdon Down) and also we should refer to the babies as babies who happen to have Down Syndrome as opposed to Down Syndrome Babies. The latter puts the syndrome first and takes away the fact that they are babies/ people first! With the same right to life as anyone else.. they just happen to to have extra chromosome #21 material in each of their body cells.
Fact is people with Down Syndrome do not "Suffer" from DS, most people with DS today live very full lives complete with very busy social schedules, most are fully included in the school classes with course adjustments and are very busy people involved in all sort of personal and community endevors sports, movies, post secondary training and yes... love and marriage!!
How do I know I live it every day.
Comment by Roy on November 25 14:53