Saturday, March 21, is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.
That day has been set aside "to be observed and celebrated by persons with Down syndrome, their families and friends, those who live and work with them and all persons who wish to promote and ensure quality of life and human rights for all persons with Down syndrome," according to the UN's website.
"The 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome."
However, on the very day that those with Down syndrome are celebrated and appreciated, their lives are being extinguished at an increasing rate, before they have a chance to take their first breath or experience a mothers' embrace.
Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, a pro-life non-profit organization, explained the problem on last year's WDSD.
"Did you know?" she asked. "Of the babies diagnosed with Down syndrome: 100% are aborted in Iceland, 98% are aborted in Denmark, 67% are aborted in the U.S."
She concluded, "Our world is being stripped of love, joy & beauty. This lethal discrimination must end."
Last week the Mississippi House passed HB1295, the Life Equality Act, a bill to end the practice of discrimination abortions — procedures that snuff out the life of an unborn child because he's the "wrong" sex, the "wrong" race, or because of a perceived disability or genetic disorder.
The bill was approved 79-33 with minimum debate.
Sue Liebel, Mississippi state policy director for the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List), a network of pro-life Americans, applauded the House vote and expects the legislation to ultimately pass in the Senate and be signed into law.
"Abortions carried out because of a baby's sex, race, or potential disability, such as Down syndrome, is no less than modern-day eugenics," said Liebel in a statement.
The SBA List reported that a poll released in January indicated that 65% of respondents oppose abortion due to the possibility that an unborn child may have Down syndrome. Fifty percent of those who identify as pro-choice felt the same.
If an infant's life is ended to protect the life of the mother, that's one thing. Discriminatory abortions amount to boutique shopping for the "perfect" child. If he doesn't meet someone's standard of a perfection, they can say "no thanks" and move on.
The Charlotte Lozier Institute, an organization dedicated to the promotion of public understanding of the value of human life, conducted a survey of individuals with Down syndrome and their immediate family members in 2014. It found that:
- 99% of people with Down syndrome are happy with their lives.
- 97% of people with Down syndrome like who they are.
- 99% of parents said they love their child with Down syndrome.
- 97% of brothers/sisters, ages 9-11, said they love their sibling.
Georgia high school student Marin Carter is one of the people the Life Equality Act was designed to protect.
Although she doesn't have Down syndrome, her mother's obstetrician told her parents that ultrasound images indicated that she had a deformity — she was missing a hand and wrist. A physician suggested terminating the pregnancy.
She posted a video last month that immediately viral, in which she thanked her parents for their decision and proclaimed that she cherishes every day of her life — despite the handicap.
"I enjoy every day that I'm alive, and sometimes, yeah, I get caught up in the emotions, but I'm happy to be alive, and I'm glad that I was born this way," Carter says in the footage. "I'm glad that God made me this way and gives me challenges, gives me things that I have to face."
She added that "Every day is a gift from God and it just pains me that some people would take that away from their children and take their children's lives."
Although she won't be old enough to vote in November, she closed with a political message: "I just thought I'd say, Trump 2020!"
Carter told The Daily Caller afterwards, "Half of my generation has already been killed off by abortion." Of her own circumstances she said, "The only disability is a bad attitude," adding, "All my differences are what make me unique."
It's ironic that the very people who abhor capital punishment condone ending the lives of innocents — even through brutal, late-term, dismemberment abortions — because they're perceive as imperfect.
Two other days in March are worth noting.
March 30 is National Doctors Day. Given the current COVID19 outbreak, this seems especially fitting.
March 10 is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. I don't know that this is something we ought to celebrate. I know a 17-year-old Georgia high schooler who wouldn't think so.
Michael Dorstewitz is a retired lawyer and has been a frequent contributor to BizPac Review and Liberty Unyielding. He is also a former U.S. Merchant Marine officer and an enthusiastic Second Amendment supporter, who can often be found honing his skills at the range. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.
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