Down’s Syndrome Support Group Gibraltar

Article courtesy of www.marieclaire.co.uk 

There are more Down's syndrome babies being born than before pre-natal screening was common practice, new figures have shown.

The results showed that a fifth of those quizzed had known someone with Down's, a third said their choice was down to religious or anti-abortion beliefs and 30% believed modern life for those suffering with Down's had vastly improved. Nearly one in five simply said they did not believe the test results.

The large majority of those surveyed said they felt supported in their decision to have a Down's syndrome baby by their family and friends and wholeheartedly believed that the stigmatism was less and the future much better for those with the syndrome.

Respondents cited integrated education as a particular change. One person commented: 'I don't subscribe to the notion of the 'perfect human being' and found the idea of selecting one child in preference to another abhorrent.'

Another wrote: 'I already felt a strong sense of responsibility for my unborn child and knew that I would love it and want it regardless of any additional needs it might have. I knew I could count on friends and family for support.'

The survey coincides with a BBC Radio 4 documentary entitled Born With Down's.

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, said the survey demonstrated the extent to which changes in society influenced people.

'When I and others had our babies it was a very different world – those with Down's syndrome were treated very differently,' she said.

'Now there is much greater inclusion and acceptance, with mainstream education having a huge role.'

Born with Down's will be transmitted on Radio 4 at 8pm tonight.

Monday 24 November 2008

Full Article Link:
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/health/283531/more-couples-opt-to-keep-down-s-syndrome-babies.html