Article on misperceptions
Sue just sent me an article to post on the blog, which made me realize that it is very likely that we are under utilizing this web site for the opportunity to educate others on truths about Down Syndrome. I think we often forget that our understanding and perspective isn't "typical," since we live with Calvin, and have the advantage of being around information and people with experience whenever we need it.
So, this may be the first of one, or first of many posts that include information vs. pictures... hard to tell how frequently we'll be motivated to post something, and don't really want to make a big deal out of what is actually quite "normal" to us at this point. But sometimes things need to be said, and perspectives need to be challenged, and we need your help in doing so.
Did you know that 90% of people who find out they are pregnant with a child who has Down Syndrome terminate the pregnancy? I challenge anyone to meet Calvin for just five minutes and walk away with the opinion that we should have ended his life before he was born. I'm certainly not trying to judge people for their ignorance or circumstances, as we all have our challenges. We were just as ignorant before Calvin, and I can honestly say that I am SO glad we chose not to do testing that would have caused us to be faced with that decision, as who knows what opinions and misperceptions would have been in play.
For those of you who know him, please share what you know about Calvin, (including our blog, if you think it would help) with anyone in the process of, or even considering having kids. Maybe you'll save a life without even knowing it.
Here's an article helping dispell some recently publicized misinformation...
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/03/02/an_ambassador_against_fear/
posted by DSMCA @ 9:16 PM
4 Comments:
Thanks for sharing this article. I know my perception of Down syndrome has certainly changed over the last 3 1/2 years, thanks to my "ambassador" Calvin.
Ditto
Thanks for posting this info. I had no idea of that statistic, I am blown away by that information. Though I do not know Calvin personally, I do know him through your photos and stories, and he and his antics always make me smile. And that is just through the web, I can only imagine in person!! :)
Hi, Thanks for posting this. I, too, take every opportunity I get to say that termination is unncessary. I saw your link on Jen's site and wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful family.
I was told that I should consider terminating my pregnancy because I would have a baby with Dandy Walker Syndrome, heart defects, spine defects and would run the risk of being severely developmentally and mentally delayed.
Fast forward to 14 months, my daughter does NOT have Dandy Walker, does not have heart defects, nor does she have spine defects. She does have some mild developmental delays but nothing that can't be helped with lots of therapy and LOVE! What if I had listened to those doctors? What if thousands of other people choose to listen to those doctors?
It saddens me to think about it.
I look forward to reading more about your precious family and Calvin.
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