A CBS News feature recently described what the reporter called the eradication of Down syndrome in Iceland. But it was really something else–the abortion of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome. Tragically, while Iceland has gone further than most countries in killing all babies with Down syndrome, they are not the only one. Because of fear of what life with a child with Down syndrome may be like, parents all over the world, and even in the United States, are choosing to abort their babies if they are diagnosed with Down syndrome.
In Pennsylvania, we have chosen to address the fears associated with potentially having a child with Down syndrome a different way. In 2014 the Pennsylvania legislature passed, and pro-life Governor Tom Corbett signed into law, legislation requiring that medical practitioners give accurate information about Down syndrome and available resources to parents whose preborn baby is diagnosed with potentially having Down syndrome. We believe making sure parents who may have a baby with Down syndrome deserve information, not to have their child killed simply because that child is different.
We encourage all pro-lifers to educate themselves about Down syndrome. You can then help educate someone who receives this diagnosis for their child. That may be the information they need to remind them they can always choose life.