Down Syndrome & the Human Rights to Live & Thrive

Disability rights blogger Patricia Bauer brings news of an online petition by parents of people with Down Syndrome to protest the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' recent call to screen all fetuses for the condition, regardless of maternal age.

The petition quite correctly notes that this actually means a push for even more in-the-womb elimination of people with Down syndrome. Already, over 90% of babies with that particular prenatal diagnosis are aborted--a number that reflects widespread fear and misinformation.

I can't say it any better than Anya Souza, an artist, disability rights educator, and all-around kick-ss human being who has Down syndrome:

"I am a person, not a disease."

And of course this awareness must translate into support for parents and other loved ones who face the prospect of caring for a disabled child.

If you yourself now face this daunting prospect, please visit the Nonviolent Choice Directory's resources on Mother & Child Health: Disabilities (direct URL http://www.nonviolentchoice.info/motherchildhealth.html#dsb.html)as well as the rest of our resources on Help With Crisis Pregnancy & Beyond (direct URL http://www.nonviolentchoice.info/crisisand beyond.html)Here you can find much information and encouragement for the journey ahead, including Light at the End of the Tunnel, a booklet written by parents who chose life for their children with Down syndrome. Please take heart.