Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Each year on March 21, we take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the lives of those with Down syndrome. In fact, today, if you notice people wearing mismatched socks – that’s intentional and good. It’s a way to raise awareness and advocate for people with Down syndrome.

 

March 21 was selected as World Down Syndrome Day because it is the 21st day of the third month representing the third (and extra) copy of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome. 

 

This year’s theme is “inclusion.”

 

Families with Down syndrome children want the world to know that their children are just as valuable, loved, and human as children without Down syndrome. 

 

Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, Rachel Campos-Duffy, has a toddler daughter, Valentina, with Down syndrome. Rachel shared her story on Fox News and reminded listeners that babies with Down syndrome are being targeted for extermination. She argued passionately that shouldn’t be so, “Valentina has one chromosome more than my other kids, but she’s just as human, she’s just as precious.” She continued, “they are wonderful, they are precious, they are blessings to the family.” 

The Daily Citizen wrote earlier this year about the five-time US Olympic bobsledding medalist, Elana Meyers Taylor. Taylor was already making headlines because of her outspoken advocacy for Down syndrome awareness and her support and encouragement to other female athletes that it is possible to start a family while pursuing career dreams. 

 

Elana and her husband, Nic Taylor, also an Olympic bobsledder, welcomed their son Nico to the world in February 2020. Nico was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth.

 

In a video compiled by The Today Show, Taylor said that her son is her inspiration when she competes. “He’s had challenges in his short life, and he is so resilient. He inspires me and makes me want to be a better person every day.”

These celebrity moms are not alone in their witness to the joy, blessing, and inspiration that children with Down syndrome bring to their families and communities. 

 

A Canadian toddler was named the Canadian Ambassador for Down Syndrome. Her family proudly shared, “We just shout Ruby’s worth any opportunity we have – not just for her but for the entire community. We want people to see that these individuals who have Down syndrome are just like us and can do amazing things.”

 

Amen! 

 

Unfortunately, the culture of death so prevalent in society today does not encourage life when it comes to a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. 

 

In fact, sadly, data suggests that in the US, pregnancies with a Down syndrome diagnosis will end in abortion 67% of the time. In Europe, the stats are even worse, with the rate of abortion for Down syndrome babies greater than 90%. In other countries, like Iceland and Denmark, Down syndrome abortions are horrifyingly almost 100%. 

 

We know that all human life is valuable no matter age, location, ability, or dependency. 

 

In order to influence culture for life, we must advocate for life-affirming change, and that begins in the womb. 

 

Preborn babies with Down syndrome are human beings, and they deserve to live, love, and be loved. 

 

Let’s all be light in this culture of death by raising awareness and advocating for the lives of all preborn humans, no matter their ability. 

 

Photo from Shutterstock.