Attack at Planned Parenthood Clinic

[Joods]

I'm glad your baby was born healthy. I'm also glad to hear you admit that you would not be able to care for a special needs child but let me say one thing on the issues of terminating a baby with down syndrome. 

My 20 year old daughter has down syndrome. She has a wonderful quality of life. She walks, talks, sings, dances, learns how to read and do basic math in school. She is capable of bathing herself and getting snacks from the kitchen. To say that she wouldn't have any sort of quality of life is a misnomer. Nearly every child born with down syndrome is fully capable of learning as "typical" people do. It just takes them longer. Many are born with medical issues that can be fixed with surgery. Many have no medical issues at all. There is quite a large number of adults within the down syndrome community who lead independent lives. Some even marry. Males are born sterile, females have a 50% chance of giving birth to a child with down syndrome. 

All that being said, I am a strong advocate of getting ride of the triple screening tests that determine not only down syndrome but spina bifida as well. Why? Because they are only screenings. They are at best between 40 - 60% accurate. I had one and the screening showed zero signs of my daughter having down syndrome. These people CAN and DO go on to lead productive, active and happy lives. 

I cannot speak about other disabilities which are more severe because she doesn't have them. I can only speak for people who have down syndrome. And I would really hate to see someone terminate a pregancy based on a screening that isn't even capable of providing actual proof of down syndrome. Those who choose to do so are missing out on so much joy and love. While I firmly believe that it should always be a woman's right to choose, this is the ONLY area in which I am truly torn on the subject. While I have the views regarding my post here, I also have to say that if the fetus, no matter if it has down syndrome or not, is threatening the life of the mother and she will most  likely die if she carries to term, then by all means, the choice must be made to save her life. However, if the reasons are that one doesn't think they could raise such a wonderful child, please rethink that because there are so many people who would love the opportunity to raise a child with down syndrome via adoption. 

If given the chance to adopt a child with down syndrome, I would totally do it in a heart beat. Given my experience with being a mom of one already, I welcome that with open arms.

Then you should go do that right now.  Seriously.  There are thousands of special needs kids who actually exist and need adoption.

I am glad to hear about you and your daughter though. : Of course they can, I never said they couldn't, just that I could not give what was needed.  If you can, then you should.

Thank you. It truly is a life changing experience. I had her when I was 24 and my world literally stopped. She's a great kid and if I could afford to adopt another child with DS, I would in a heartbeat. 

We all do what we feel is best for ourselves, families and future. It's the best we can do considering the circumstances we are given. I admire your honesty with the subject. I lost a baby two years ago and just at the beginning of October, I got a tubal ligation and an ablation done. I'm 44 with two daughters and two step-sons ranging in ages from 11 to 20. My plate is full and I'm happy. I am happy for your family and I'm positive that your daughter has the best mom and dad ever.