March is World Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!
Did you know that one of the most common developmental disabilities is Down syndrome? And an estimated 67% of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted in the United States, according to a Systematic Review.
The good news is that this is significantly less than previous studies because evidence in this study suggests “that termination rates have decreased in recent years, which may reflect progress in medical management for individuals with Down syndrome and advances in educational, social, and financial support for their families.”
However, worldwide, other nations have boasted of “eradicating Down Syndrome” when the truth is that they are killing people with Down Syndrome after the prenatal diagnosis: The latest studies reveal a 100% Down Syndrome termination rate in Iceland, 98% in Denmark, and almost 90% in the UK. This information is from the National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register and Icelandic Parliament reported statistics.
We need to be vocal about these eugenic perspectives. See our popular World Down Syndrome Day Facebook Post from 2021 about the simple ways you can spread awareness about Down Syndrome!
Use life-affirming language!
This is a great month to celebrate people with Down syndrome in your life and elsewhere! And while you talk about them, use language that properly respects and accurately depicts the Down syndrome experience… life-affirming language is accurate, respectful, and the opposite of dehumanizing!
“People First” language refers to the person FIRST and diagnosis second – for example: my child with Down syndrome; A student, employee, etc. who has Down syndrome; A patient/client living with Down syndrome. It should NEVER be… My Downs child; A Down syndrome student, patient, client, employee, artist, musician, etc.
Educate against prenatal ableist discrimination!
“It is estimated that abortion following a prenatal diagnosis of DS results in a 30% reduction in overall DS births. In a 2012 publication in Prenatal Diagnosis, research calculated a weighted mean across the U.S. of a 67% termination rate following prenatal diagnosis.
Whatever the statistical realities may be, the number of those who choose abortion after a prenatal diagnosis is far too high. It should be none. To paraphrase the recently deceased disabilities rights activist, Dr. Adrienne Asch, the only thing prenatal diagnosis can provide is a first impression of who a child will be. Making such a radical decision as to end the life of a child based upon a first impression is a most horrible and violent form of discrimination. It has no place in an American society that is committed to ending discrimination in any form and that has intensified that effort for persons with disabilities over the last 25 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July 1990.” – Charlotte Lozier Institute
Share local resources for the Down syndrome community!
The human experience requires community! There are so many communities full of resources in Louisiana that are here to help families and people with Down syndrome who are uncertain about the future or who need extra support.
To view a list of resources, visit www.ProLifeLouisiana.org/downsyndrome.
