Let’s celebrate and work to create a culture of BELONGING for our friends with Down syndrome! March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, the 3rd month of the year and the 21st day of the month. It was selected to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in every 775 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition. Approximately 5,000 babies with Down syndrome are born in the United States each year.
Research provides statistics regarding the termination of children with Down Syndrome which is heartbreaking. According to Life Institute, in Britain, 90% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, in Denmark, an average of 98% of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted each year and in Iceland, almost 100% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted, because prenatal screening is very high. According to official statistics reported in the Icelandic Parliament in the period from 2008-2012, all babies diagnosed with Down syndrome in Iceland were aborted.
Living in a culture of death, society fails to understand the value of the person who is created in the image of God. Having a daughter with Down Syndrome has provided a glimpse of heaven for our community. Gianna’s unconditional love, joy, and peace radiate daily with each person she encounters. I feel blessed to be chosen to be her mother, and I will continue to advocate for Gianna and all friends with Down Syndrome. Click here to learn more about World Down Syndrome Day.
