Just want to share my entire post so the links are available. Thanks so much! Can we take Down Syndrome off the list of socially acceptable reasons to terminate a pregnancy? How is that we as a society are so clear and comfortable that a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome is short-hand for termination?Many people are misled into thinking that a diagnosis of Down Syndrome is a death sentence for the child or the family. This is simply not the case. My son, who has Down Syndrome, has an IQ of 102 is bright, gregarious, outgoing, and there is no better teacher of compassion and beauty.And, for those who believe that somehow they are not the “super mom” that I am; that somehow I can do this, but you never could please know I am no different than any other mother. Each day, I put one foot in front of the other, am fiercely devoted to my child and creating opportunities for him. I just have the extra duty of making the world realize their dated beliefs (like lazily using the “R” word or believing in segregated educations) about his disability. It’s October, Down Syndrome awareness month; why not challenge your beliefs about Down Syndrome? It s ok to admit you don t know hey, I had to have a child with Down Syndrome before I knew. Here are some ideas: 1) Learn more about it: http://www.ndss.org/ http://www.ndsccenter.org/ http://www.nads.org/ http://www.unomas21.com/ 2) Make friends with someone who has Down Syndrome: http://www.bestbuddies.org/site/….BF9F/ Intro.htm 3) Learn more about individuals who have Down Syndrome: http://users.psln.com/sharing/Michael/ http://www.sujeet.com/ http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ cra…s_of_Downes.htm http:// http://www.karengaffneyfoundatio…academics.shtml http://www.bernadetteresha.com/ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/…14% 2Fnart14.xml http://www.disabilityworld.org/0…3/il/ down.shtml http://www.mouthmag.com/issues/ 5…orstory.htm#TOP http://www.mct.ne.jp/users/ ayaiw…20Singapole.htm 4) Check out your local Buddy Walk: http://www.buddywalk.org/ Or Special Olympic event: http://www.specialolympics.org/ Or a Very Special Arts event: http://www.vsarts.org/ 5) Vow to stop using the “R” word and get others to do the same: http://www.jennaglatzer.com/ pled…word_retard.htm http://teenink.com/Past/2003/Oct…ober/ 17061.html Use People First Language: http://www.bellaonline.com/artic…es/ art33981.asp 6) Contribute to improving the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome: http://dsresearch.stanford.edu/e….edu/education/7) Help advocate for people who have Down Syndrome. Tell your elected officials to fund early intervention programs, fund education, help create housing, transportation and employment opportunities: http://www.tash.org/index.html http://capwiz.com/nacdd/home/ http://www.ucp.org/index.cfmRead some beautiful articles: http://www.theage.com.au/article…l? oneclick=true http://www.theage.com.au/ article…4083207759.html http://www.dsansw.org.au/media/ P…sClippings.html It s ok to not know but, please, let s rethink our ideas about the worth of people with Down Syndrome.

Those with Down have been some of the most beautiful ego-free creatures we have here on Earth!

Let’s give every unborn child (that is not a threat to the life of the mother) the chance at life – not just those with down syndrome. Choose Life.

I work at a bowling supply company that custom fits bowling balls. Some of my most beautiful, loving customers have down syndrome. They are friendly, outgoing individuals that I am sure make this world a better place. Namaste, Sue

I have very personal reasons for thinking that using a disability as a reason to terminate a pregnancy is just not right. Where do we draw the line, say that one child is good enough to be born but not another? My brother is mentally handicapped, yet he is happier than any person I know. Certainly he is far more at peace with himself than I am, sometimes I am so envious of him.