A New Generation

This makes me want to scream!

I stopped in to read Adrienne's Blog, Our Unexpected Journey. Adrienne is a strong, beautiful lady who is expecting Bennett in roughly 93 days (Roughly! Lol). He has DS and she was pre-natally diagnosed. (Obviously, if she hasn't delivered him yet it's certainly not POST natal) Anyway, she linked to an article that she found on another blog and I'm gonna rant for a minute.
Adrienne is a far stronger and wiser woman that I am. She doesn't judge people for the choices that they make in life. I frankly think that anyone who decides to terminate a pregnancy because of a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome is a coward, a fool, and has their heads up their asses. Now, I'm sorry if that offends you, but honestly! Are you choosing to terminate that baby because it's not perfect!? Because he or she might not finish High school? Because your perfect baby that you have been dreaming of might not ever get married, or be able to have babies? Maybe you are embarrassed of how your child might look or you don't know if you can handle all the physical health issues that are associated with Down syndrome.

I shake my head in disgust.

I never graduated high school. My marriage failed! I was a typical baby.
Any child you have can be born with health issues, a cleft pallet, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, or copious other health concerns. Maybe there is nothing wrong with your perfect little child until he turns 3 and you realise he has autism. Or Your son becomes a drug addict, a child molester, a rapist, a wife beater or a million other awful things. AHHHHHHhhh There is no way to predict what your child will be like. There would be no one having children if we only gave birth to the "perfect" babies. EUGENICS! HOLOCAUST! To terminate based on a prenatal diagnoses of DS is the stupidest thing I can think of. In fact, you have a better idea of what your child's future WILL hold, knowing that he/she has DS. Some of you may think I'm bitter so I'm ranting. On the contrary. I couldn't be happier. I love my son. Every single PERFECT little inch of him. What makes me angry is that there are people who don't want to give these children a chance. To think if I had decided to get the Amnio and terminate. What a shame! That beautiful, sweet, amazing, innocent, brilliant child would never have had the opportunity to see this world. To see the sun! To smile or laugh with his Daddy! Ugh! I'm bawling again. Such a shame that there are people who see children with disabilities as burdens on our society, on our healthcare system. I'm ashamed. The best part of having a child with DS is how that child changes you. I have seen so many families online who had a biological child with DS and have decided to adopt another child with DS. That just shows you how wonderful these children are. They change people lives!

I love you Hunter James Ross! I wouldn't change you for the world! You are Perfect!

Canada needs a Prenatal Diagnosed Condition Awareness Act

Please Check out and perhaps sign this Petition.

"Technological advances in fetal screening are presenting parents -and doctors- with enormous ethical, psychological and social dilemmas. Vulnerable, and with limited or biased information as guidance, more than 90% of prospective parents in Canada choose termination if their baby is diagnosed prenatal with Down syndrome. They may never know there is a world of resources, hope and support out there. In spite of tireless efforts from support groups their information pamphlets rarely reach prospective parents at the time they need it most."

They may never know that the most loving and wonderful community exists. I have never felt such amazing support and understanding from any group of people in my life as I have from those who are involved in the Down Syndrome Community. From parents of children with DS to support workers, Doctors, Therapists, Mothers, Grandmothers, Friends of people who have children with DS, BLOGGERS! What a welcoming and wonderful world it is to be a part of. The fear of raising a child with Down Syndrome completely washes away and is replaced by a feeling of being embraced by everyone who is a few steps ahead of you on the same journey.

I want to thank each and everyone of you in this community for changing the face of Down Syndrome. For offering a hand to those of us who needed it. I hope that I, in turn, can offer my hand, can help someone up, encourage them on their way, and show them how exciting this journey will be!