Some staggering quotes from Al Mohler's latest piece:
"The new research is based on work by Dr. Brian Skotko, a clinical genetics fellow at Children's Hospital Boston. Skotko, who has a sister with Down syndrome, asks this haunting question: "As new tests become available, will babies with Down syndrome slowly disappear?"
His research reveals deeply troubling trends. Between 1989 and 2005, births of babies with Down syndrome decreased by 15 percent. As Science Daily explains, "In the absence of prenatal testing, researchers would have expected the opposite -- a 34 percent increase in births -- due to the trend of women waiting longer to have children; known to increase the chances of having a baby with Down syndrome."
"The reason for the decrease in the number of babies born with Down syndrome comes into clearer focus when The Washington Post cites Skotko's research indicating that 92 percent of women who learn they are carrying a baby with Down syndrome choose to abort the pregnancy. That is more than nine out of ten."
"This presents a grave moral challenge to the medical community -- and to the society at large. Medical care is a social good for which the entire society is responsible. The development of prenatal diagnostic technologies and procedures brings a moral crisis right to our doorsteps -- and our hearts. Will we see people with Down syndrome simply disappear?"
"The fact that 92 percent of women who are told that their unborn child carries the high risk of Down syndrome choose to abort the baby should shock us all. What does that say about our devaluation of human life and human dignity? This can only mean that these women see a child with Down syndrome as not worth having -- and the baby as a life not worth living. Dr. Skotko points to the new tests just around the corner and sees a collision coming. Given his important research, we had better see a moral crisis looming. The Culture of Death is gaining momentum before our eyes. Who will be next in line to be considered unworthy of life?"
As Jared Wilson tweeted earlier today, "The 'final solution' for Down's syndrome babies? 92% aborted upon prenatal diagnosis."
I believe that the connection to Nazi Germany is unmistakable. Power to the strong, "terminate" those who are not able to "contribute", if we all are "pure" then life will be that much easier.
I would not suggest for a second that caring for a Down's Syndrome baby/child is representative of a life free from hardship and suffering. But what does it say about us as a people when we are so quick to cast aside those who assault our desire for comfort and ease?
I saw a child with Down's Syndrome yesterday in the airport. Every time I see someone with this syndrome I am haunted by the fact that that little boy or girl represents a bittersweet victory. A bright light shining in the darkness of death and murder. A walking, smiling, and loving testimony to the image of God that deserves to be seen, cherished and embraced.
4 comments:
Amen
So true. I have spent summers volunteering at a camp that includes many adults with Down syndrome, and it pains me to know that there are probably more adults with it than children. Like you, whenever I see a little kid with DS it makes me want to go and hug their parents and say thank you. I know it can't be easy, but I also know that sometimes the Lord's greatest blessings come through trials.
Thanks for posting, Zack. As a parent of a child with Down Syndrome, after 19 years, I still can't imagine our ever choosing a life without her. Yes, our lives have been complicated, but they've also been enriched immeasurably, just like they would be by the presence of any child, just like they wouldn't by their absence.
We had heard about the high rates of abortions of children with DS and were shocked! God started working in our hearts to adopt one of these sweet little children.
A friend told me about a website called Reeces Rainbow that helps find families for children with DS who live in orphanges overseas. I spent weeks praying for the children wasting away in orphanges in other countries. This is where we eventaully found our beautiful Tessa who we are desperately trying to bring home from Africa. If anyone on your blog has a heart for these children you can donate money to specific children that are listed on the website to help ease the financial burden families face to adopt them or you can donate money to specific families that have commited to adopting a specific child. We have been shocked at how much it is costing to bring home Tessa but are so excited to meet her and have her home that we are doing everything in our power to come up with the money. Our story is also on Reeces Rainbow but she is listed under Bethany from Africa under the committed families page. I would highly encourage everyone to take a look at the website and choose a child to pray for. These children face a life in institutions with little to no chance of ever finding a home. They need our prayers!
There is also a similiar program in the US. The woman's name is Robin Steele at rsteele@zoomtown.com. She runs a registry that helps match families in the US who want to place their babies with DS with families who WANT to adopt these beautiful babies. If you know anyone who is pregnant with a baby with DS and is considering abortion please let her know that there are literally hundreds of families on this registry just waiting to bring home a little child with DS!
We feel blessed that God has chosen us to adopt a baby with Down Syndrome and can't wait to have her part of our lives. Thanks for posting about this and spreading the word!!!
Heather Kanz
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