Trig Palin’s threat to the abortion industry
posted at 9:30 am on September 11, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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A Canadian doctor expressed concern that Sarah Palin’s decision to give birth to Trig, who has Down’s Syndrome, may have negative consequences for women in his nation and elsewhere. How so? Instead of getting abortions 90% of the time, Dr. Andre Lalonde says, more women may discover that they can deal with the challenge of such a child, and refuse abortions. Quelle horreur!
Sarah and Todd Palin’s decision to complete her recent pregnancy, despite advance notice that their baby Trig had Down syndrome, is hailed by many in the pro-life movement as walking the walk as well as talking the talk.
But a senior Canadian doctor is now expressing concerns that such a prominent public role model as the governor of Alaska and potential vice president of the United States completing a Down syndrome pregnancy may prompt other women to make the same decision against abortion because of that genetic abnormality. And thereby reduce the number of abortions.
Published reports in Canada say about 9 out of 10 women given a diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy through abortion.
Dr. Andre Lalonde, executive vice president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ottawa, worries that Palin’s now renowned decision may cause abortions in Canada to decline as other women there and elsewhere opt to follow suit.
This sounds more like the abortion industry worrying over a declining demand than a physician caring for a patient. Parents of DS children manage to have fulfilling lives, and they would say because of their child and not despite the decision to give birth. The Palins do provide a role model in that manner, as do the millions of other parents with such children who get no special attention for their love and sacrifice.
What kind of doctor looks at this situation and says, “The worry is that this will have an implication for abortion issues in Canada”? Does the sight of a strong family represent that great a threat to the abortion industry in Canada or elsewhere? The SOGC tried recovering from this statement by insisting that doctors don’t push women carrying DS children into abortions, but a Down’s Syndrome support group says that’s simply false:
Members of Canada’s Down syndrome community say that many of the country’s medical professionals only give messages of fear to parents who learn their baby will be born with the genetic condition.
“It’s very dark,” said Krista Flint, executive director of the Canadian Down Syndrome Society. “They hear a lot about the medical conditions that are sometimes associated with Down syndrome. They hear about the burden … it places on children and a marriage. They hear about things like shortened life expectancy. They hear a lot about the challenges of a life with Down syndrome.”
Given Lalonde’s primary concern as stated by Lalonde himself, the fear seems to be that abortionists might have to deal with fewer customers.
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Are these people really so clueless to Down Syndrome? Every single DS person I have met in my life have been very sweet, wonderful human beings.
The left’s selective abortion theories really are close to Hitler’s ideals.
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Very telling. Pretty much sums up the left….
deedtrader on September 11, 2008 at 9:33 AM
There is no greater threat to the “pro-choice” crowd than a woman who chooses life.
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Sarah Palin turned me into a newt.
I uh… I got better.
miles on September 11, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Maybe Alan (butt face) Colmes can do a follow up story….
twiggman on September 11, 2008 at 9:37 AM
As a Canadian,the doc is a F%^%$%^n idiot!
Hello,Dr.Kavorkian,yes,I know this doctor,and he’s
has something wrong with him,and I would like to
arrange his suicide!(Snark!)
And.This Doctor seems to have “an angel of Death”,
Dr.Mangla style about himself!
canopfor on September 11, 2008 at 9:37 AM
The right to choose means that women must make the choice the liberal elites want.
Too much freedom up in Alaska has made Sarah Palin a dangerous woman!
Right_of_Attila on September 11, 2008 at 9:37 AM
It really is. It’s really amazing to see what started here, just because of what she decided to do, and McCain’s pick of her to be VP that magnified this while no one was paying attention while she was governor of Alaska.
It’s fundamentally changing so many things so fast. So many idiots are outing themselves because of Palin, her choices in life and McCain elevating her to the second highest position in the free freaking world. And they can’t stand this. This is like a splash of water on the wicked witch of the west, for the effect it’s having.
All of the pages here that identify the liberal Plain haters, from Rogert Ebert to this insane woman in the headlines pages – and so many more. ….. Wow.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
100% correct and I can add nothing more.
Talon on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
I’ll see your post and raise you: There’s no greater threat to liberals than strong families who not only believe in doing the right thing, but actually do the right thing.
AubieJon on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Ugh. Now I feel sick.
null on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
I guess I’m hopelessly naive, but … there’s an “abortion industry?”
Sweet Jesus. I guess I knew that … but still – the idea of people profiting, making a living, becoming wealthy … performing abortions for profit …
Maybe I’m wrong, but I have a hunch that history books in future centuries will put those people in the same category as those who got rich in the slave trade.
Treating humans as commodities. Isn’t it all the same thing?
Professor Blather on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Palin is the personification of the big lie told to woman for the last 30 years. They’ve been told to be happy and professionally successful they couldn’t have a family and certainly not a large one, and one with a special needs child was completely out of the question.
She is an existential threat to the Left. They’ll do whatever they can to destroy here imho.
TheBigOldDog on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
If we could flip a switch and replace every member of the Daily Kos Wing of the Democrat party with Down Syndrome Adults this world would be a far better place.
Elizabetty on September 11, 2008 at 9:40 AM
I got that Canadian Doctor was upset because Special Needs Children put more burden on the Canadian National Health System.
Did you ever see Lifeboat?
Mr. Joe on September 11, 2008 at 9:40 AM
very true…his ideas march sanger’s which came from Darwin, and the eugenics movement founded by his cousin Galton.
right4life on September 11, 2008 at 9:40 AM
The power of example, as Bill Clinton said. She lives it and I hope it does make a difference.
And what a macabre view that canuck has. If they discover they have a dirth of abortions, they can throw a kegger at a college and supply Ecstasy. That should fill their coffers back up and satisfy their blood lust.
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 9:43 AM
BLAME CANADA!
Even Charles DeGaulle, who had a Down’s Syndrome daughter, knew love when he saw her.
Eugenic abortion…… yeah, that’s the ticket
originalpechanga on September 11, 2008 at 9:44 AM
If we do abort all the Down Syndrome babies, how is the U.S. going to be able to remain competitive in the Special Olympics?
Kasper Hauser on September 11, 2008 at 9:44 AM
The left’s selective abortion theories really are close to Hitler’s ideals. – Carbon
If doctors found a gene that determined whether or not you’d grow up to be a doofus liberal dumbazz, you bet your azz they’d suddenly become anti-abortion!
Tony737 on September 11, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Maybe its just me, but doesn’t this speak loudly against socialized medicine?
Only in the comfort of a socialized doctors office would such a eugenic thought process develop.
Free markets tend to remove these kind of idiots.
Just food for thought.
Marine_Bio on September 11, 2008 at 9:45 AM
As a parent of five kids, I find this “senior Canadian doctor” to be insulting. There is no guarantee from the moment of conception through birth into childhood and beyond that one’s kid(s) is going to be perfect or without any problems. I’ve been extremely lucky….my side of the gene pool was barely damp…but the kids? All are just about as perfect as any parent could hope for.
I do know for a fact that many many parents I have known over the years have had test after test done to determine if their child was going to be “perfect” or not before birth.
And’ I’d suspect, probably correctly, that a number of these folks decided not to carry their child to full term. Their choice. They can deal with it.
I cherish each day I have had watching my kids grow up. I’m a better man for their being in my life.
That said, if this “senior Canadian doctor” wants to continue to follow the elitist and liberal trend toward an Ubermensch, I’d advise him and a lot of others, that this experiment has been tried before…and with just peachy results.
coldwarrior on September 11, 2008 at 9:46 AM
It makes me sad that they’re talking about baby Trig Palin and abortion in the same sentence. The Palin’s LOVE that child and it has to make them sick that the media talks about him as if he’s just the condition/syndrome and not a baby.
Oink on September 11, 2008 at 9:46 AM
I know I’ve mentioned this on other threads, but it bears repeating here: I am the youngest of five siblings, one of which has Down Syndrome. None of these so-called medical professionals and Leftist thugs will ever understand the absolute joy, unconditional love and opportunity for character-building that such children bring to those around them. I cannot even imagine my life without Ralph. My father is a retired surgeon who was a lowly medical resident at the time of my brother’s birth; both of my parents were warned by the medical establishment (there were a few notable exceptions, of course) to ship him off to an institution. Being very rooted in their Catholic faith, which gave them the courage to reject the idea of their son as a “stigma” to the family, my parents went on to raise one of the most beautiful human beings I know — a happy, productive, smart and capable person who enriches the lives of everyone around him. Cretins like this Canadian doctor will never know such a privilege.
On a related note, my mom and Ralph volunteered yesterday at their local McCain-Palin campaign office. The workers there were so impressed with Ralph they are going to try to get him a personal meeting with Senator McCain and Governor Palin when they come through suburban Philadelphia. My family is so excited by the prospect! And for Sarah, I am sure it will be a welcome window into future possibilities for her “perfectly beautiful baby boy.” I’ve posted this on my blog http://www.palin-drone.blogspot.com/.
Dariaanne on September 11, 2008 at 9:47 AM
can’t add to that..
DaveC on September 11, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Reminds me of this heartbreaking story linked on the Corner yesterday
Father Who Died Saving [Down Syndrome] Son Known For Sacrifice
Brat on September 11, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Wasn’t Margaret Sanger a socialist? Yes. Also this little nugget from Wiki:
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 9:48 AM
Down babies are God’s angels coming here to challenge us. Consider yourself blessed by the challenge.
Tony737 on September 11, 2008 at 9:48 AM
A good friend of mine had a daughter with Down Syndrome. She went to school until she was 18, at which time she was about at the developmental level of a 5th grader. She had a great and very dry sense of humor, went to parties, liked boys and tried desperately to beat me at the game of “Sorry!” Unfortunately, she died young, at the age of 21, because of circulatory problems that are common with this illness.
This idea that a diagnosis of Down Syndrome is an automatic abortion trigger (no pun intended) is heinous. I wouldn’t trust a doctor like this to take my pulse.
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Great point!
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
I wouldn’t worry too much if I were him. If Obama wins, how long before Down Syndrome babies are illegal? These people are truly deranged. These types of doctors should go back to doing what they probably does best, counting little tiny limbs and body parts to make sure “they got it all”.
bloggless on September 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Well, “Planned Parenthood” was founded by a firm believer in Eugenics.
Not only that, but it’s funded by your tax dollars.
hindmost on September 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
A child with Down Syndrome will take more effort and will have more medical issues. Therefore, “it” does not deserve to live. Have these doctors grown so callous that the “least” among us are not even worthy of life? My cousin is in his early thirties and has been the absolute light of his mothers life. He is the happiest, most decent, most caring individual I have ever met. How sad is a world that offers no place for him.
Mini14 on September 11, 2008 at 9:49 AM
The eugenics battle continues.
MadisonConservative on September 11, 2008 at 9:50 AM
It is funny way the left trys to put abortion conversation into detached, unemotional, sterile terms and object to any depiction or photos of abortion as objectionable, but they invariably put poverty, illegal immigration into ONLY emotional, hysterical terms. Well, maybe not “funny,” as much as “sick.”
Star20 on September 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Physicians are afraid of being sued and play up the odds of having a child with Down’s Syndrome, to the point they’re obsessed with it. Thank you, lawyers.
My wife went through two sonograms, neither of which was conclusive, partially to nail down the Down’s Syndrome question. And we don’t have any risk factors.
From what I recall, there’s no way to determine whether a child definitely DOES have Down’s Syndrome. It boils down to “chances”.
So those 90% are undoubtedly aborting a good many non-Down Syndrome babies. This is where two vile professions, ambulance chasing lawyers and abortion doctors meet for fun and profit.
NoDonkey on September 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Gerson referenced that in his column; it was very touching.
Illinidiva on September 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Where are the freaking Kennedys over this?????? Is there not one thing that a liberal will not throw under the bus in their determination to see this poser get elected?????
bloggless on September 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I wonder what would have happened if Dr. Andre Lalonde was the doctor to Steven Hawking’s parents..
only asking.
DaveC on September 11, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Now, folks. Let us consider the other side. We all want what’s best for society, so let’s look at their logic:
Chris Burke. the actor with DS from “Life Goes On”, worked and produced a service (entertainment, though I really didn’t care for the show much–just me), and I suspect brought in enough money to pull his own weight in life. He paid taxes, maybe gave to charities, and though I don’t know his politics, I doubt worked to undermine our great country. In short, he showed a person with DS can be a productive part of society.
That all, I suspect, puts him way ahead of a lot of the people Hussein worked to “organize.” And Burke is the one they want to abort?
Just sayin’.
Tommygun on September 11, 2008 at 9:52 AM
When health care is socialized it is cheaper for a country to preform abortions then to care for every special needs person.
sammypants on September 11, 2008 at 9:53 AM
I always wonder what will happen when they are able to isolate the gene that determines sexuality… and people want to abort their potentially-gay children (not making a judgment, but it *will* happen). Liberal heads exploding everywhere is my guess.
hindmost on September 11, 2008 at 9:53 AM
IT’S Liberal Fascism writ large…Jonah, thanks for your important book.
ParisParamus on September 11, 2008 at 9:53 AM
I’ll match that and raise you again. Read it and weep:
There is no greater threat to the enemies of life, the family and America than the election of John McCain and Sarah Palin.
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 9:54 AM
I have been fortunate enough through my love of surfing to work with an organization called the Best Day Foundation. Through the foundation’s events I have had the chance to spend time with kids with Down Syndrome. These kids are a joy to be around – and very difficult to say goodbye to at the end of a day. We constantly observe that while they’ve had a great day we most certainly get more out of it than they do.
I realize raising a special needs child is not all days at the beach, surfing and smiles, but how anybody could worry that people might opt to bring more of those children into this world is unfathomable to me.
RDuke on September 11, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Weren’t the National Socialist German Workers Party greatly influenced by Socialism?
Laurence on September 11, 2008 at 9:54 AM
Laurence on September 11, 2008 at 9:54 AM –
Rhetorical. Right?
coldwarrior on September 11, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Keep in mind this is a Canadian doctor working within the Canadian healthcare system. I would be willing to bet that this has less to do with protecting the profits of the abortion industry in Canada than it does with not “wasting” healthcare resources on “preventable” individuals. A preference for abortion in cases of genetic abnormality is a logical effect of shifting the cost of care unto people who have no relation to the patient. The doctor is concerned not with the well-being of the families in question, but with the well-being of the system he works in; he’s horrified that someone would knowingly “burden” other people with the costs of care of someone with Down syndrome.
Having lived in Canada almost my entire life I think it is a duty to bring the following fact to the attention of Americans: in the Canadian healthcare system there are no patients, only expenses. If you think it is bad now when insurance companies can make medical decisions, just wait until Washington is making them. Count this as just one more reason to fight a national healthcare system in the US.
msyb on September 11, 2008 at 9:56 AM
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. John 9:1-3
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Where are the freaking Kennedys over this?????? Is there not one thing that a liberal will not throw under the bus in their determination to see this poser get elected?????
bloggless on September 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Excellent question! Where indeed.
Dariaanne on September 11, 2008 at 9:57 AM
Not perfect?…destroy it…(btw, what is perfect?)
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 9:58 AM
The sudden appearance of an appalling creature like Sarah Palin as a threat to Obama’s ascendency to the presidency seems to have temporarily disabled the normal filters through which the left makes its views more palatable to the unwashed masses. What we’re seeing now are those beliefs in their purest, unadulterated form. Her presence on the national stage has turned over a rock revealing what’s crawling underneath.
rsrobinson on September 11, 2008 at 9:58 AM
“Oh NOOOES! More Down Syndrome people in the world! We might actually develop a culture of LIFE!!111!”
There is no greater threat to the “get out of my way under pain of death ” culture than those who not only bring lots of love of their own, but also inspire it of others.
inviolet on September 11, 2008 at 9:59 AM
hindmost on September 11, 2008 at 9:53 AM
A legislator in Vermont once proposed a law saying that if that alleged “gay gene” is identified, it would be illegal to abort a child having it. It didn’t pass, but it makes a point.
Tommygun on September 11, 2008 at 9:59 AM
So those of us with children with Down syndrome are supposed to hide our wonderful children and hide the fact that our lives are great – lest we inadvertently cause a woman to keep her unborn child. How FREAKING dare we parade our wonderful lives for all to see!
Is the world upside-down or something? What is going on – really??
Candy Slice on September 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Now if they could find a gene that would determine if that baby would grow up to have an abortion…
My head hurts.
pappy on September 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
As long as Teddy lives, the myth of Camelot lives on through him and therefore, like King Arthur and his knights of old, the Kennedy family is untouchable.
When he passes, however, the Camelot canard will perish with him and it will be political open season. In a generation or two the heirs of the myth will be a footnote to a footnote in an obscure tome of history.
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Wonder by Natalie Merchant
This song reminds me of my daughter and all special kids.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Professor Blather on September 11, 2008 at 9:39 AM
It is sickening. In Kansas, George Tiller tells women that even if they’ve had an ultrasound showing their fetus to be beyond the age for non-regulated abortion, they should come to his office because determining gestational age is an “art”.
Gestational age is found by measuring the widest distance on the child’s (egg-shaped) head and then finding that measurement on a chart calculating gestational age for that distance. A former worker for Tiller explains that Tiller measures from the NARROWEST point but uses the chart that’s supposed to be used for the widest point. He only uses his OWN ultrasounds to determine the legality of his practice.
Kansas passed a law requiring abortionists to use standard medical practice to determine gestational age and to keep the original ultrasound in the woman’s medical file. But Gov. Kathleen Sibelius – whose campaign received tons from Tiller and who threw a party at the Governor’s Mansion for him and his whole staff after her re-election – vetoed it.
For more, see
http://www.dr-tiller.com
Also, Dr Nathan Bernardson, the founder of NARAL who has since become pro-life, wrote a book (can’t remember the title off-hand) detailing just how bad a racket the abortion industry was/is and how it lies to further its agenda.
There is WAY more to be said, but basically your disgust is well-founded. These people are exploiting hurting women for a lucrative profit.
justincase on September 11, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Call: John McCain has more experience and has held more responsibility in the past week than BHO has held in his entire life. Sarah Palin is more prepared to face the challenges of real life and the office than Biden could ever hope to bring to the office.
Upon what evidence do you and your ilk base such a statement as yours? And upon what evidence do you base your opinion that BHO/JB would help our nation? Nothing?
That’s what I thought.
AubieJon on September 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Gee, if fewer Canadians have abortions, maybe the doctors who are busy killing undesireable babies could redirect their energy towards seeing patients with actual illnesses. That might reduce the ridiculously long waiting period to which Canadians seeking medical care are subject, thanks to their socialized medicine.
morganfrost on September 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 9:34 AM
I went back and reread the wording of your post. My apologies. You are correct, and not just because we agree.
AubieJon on September 11, 2008 at 10:05 AM
and by Sanger and her ilk.
right4life on September 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Welcome to socialized medicine. DS kids frquently have associated problems like heart defects etc. It’s much cheaper to abort than to pay for treatment of the associated complications. Just the type care BHO and hillary want to bring to the US.
BrianA on September 11, 2008 at 10:06 AM
To me, all children are special, and perfect in their own way. Trig and others like him are not very different than my own “normal” daughter and my developmentally delayed (minor) twins. Children have so much to teach us – but not all of us need the same lessons.
I’m going to go cry now – this really bothers me.
Anna on September 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Precisely! It was easier to allow children with Down syndrome die in the UK rather than allow them to have life saving heart surgery.
I do fear socialist/socialized medicine because my son will be pushed down the list for health services – I have no doubt about it.
Candy Slice on September 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
What was this doctor’s name, Josef Mengele?
DavePa on September 11, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Never forget the connection between Planned Parenthood and the Eugenics movement.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 10:12 AM
God help us all
custer on September 11, 2008 at 10:13 AM
ABC should release the Path to 9/11. Stop American Censorship. — http://www.blockingthepath.com/
thedudesblog on September 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Maybe some do, but I would bet the vast majority of parents who have DS children face a lifetime of hardship and turmoil. How can you possibly be fulfilled as a parent knowing your child will never be normal? Your child will never experience the fullness of life, and very likely they will die relatively young. DS children require MUCH more emotional and financial support than normal children.
I would guess that parents who have DS children are overwhelmingly likely to get divorced. Even if such parents don’t get divorced, having a DS child will change their marriages forever.
Y’all are acting like having a DS baby is an easy, obvious decision. It seems to me that a DS child would take a giant emotional, physical and financial toll on a person’s marriage and family. I wouldn’t begrudge anyone who terminated a DS pregnancy.
Enrique on September 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I believe Sarah Palin and her beautiful family are the answer to the years of prayer of pro-lifers in this country. I believe it with all my heart.
May God bless the Palins. Even more than He already has.
pannw on September 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Has anyone ever heard of John Mark Stallings, son of Coach Gene Stallings? John Mark had Down Syndrome. Yet he led a productive life and impacted thousands (yes, thousands) of people in a very positive way. The University of Alabama named its athletic training facilty after him, and there is playground in Tuscaloosa bearing his name as well. Read this story about a truly inspirational man and his family.
http://theparisnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=30f57d1bb4218045
uncalheels on September 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Having lived in Sweden, I can vouche for this. What the left fails to realize (or admit) is that the very rich and connected can still circumvent the system. Indeed, the only way I even got a Dr.’s appointment was because my dad had personal ties with a wealthy, American-loving family who got me into “their private doctor”.
I suspect no one realizes that this will result in even LESS healthcare for the middle class. Yes, it may be fairer–we’ll ALL have inferior healthcare, as our best defect to other markets.
Moxie on September 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I’m not sure about this, but since Canadian healthcare is “free” (actually, pre-paid is a better term), abortions are either also pre-paid, or are heaivly subsidised. I know one stupid girl who had 3 abortions done and she was pretty much broke at the time. The Canadian doc’s comments were not because of a concern of loss of revenue, IMO.
AlexB on September 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Maybe they figure the money they save on not having the Special Olympics, could feed the poor…I wouldn’t doubt that is an argument they have thrown around in their little cocktail parties.
These are pathetic human beings, I can’t fathom the twisted logic that someone has to deploy to accept their way of thinking.
No words describe a true abortion advocate, I understand the wavering (don’t support but understand) of some pro-life arguments. But the pillars of their pro-life is people like this.
Animals preying on the weakest to survive…animals.
Why anyone would associate themselves with these mindless, tasteless, morality rejecting whores is beyond me.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Fancy way of saying “not killing a baby”.
jgapinoy on September 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I just don’t get these people. If more women in Canada decide to have their babies, that affects me… how?
Malthus, Sanger et al remind me of my two dogs: they’ve never gone hungry for five minutes, but something deep in their animal nature drives them to fight over every crumb as if it were the last.
Likewise, I was the last important person to have been born; stop reproducing and leave more for me.
saint kansas on September 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Down’s Syndrome is one of the main reasons given for live-birth abortion at Christ Hospital in Chicago, where Jill Stanek’s life was forever changed by a DS baby thrown in with the laundry to gasp for breath until death. We talk about children “accidentally” being born alive in the abortion process, but at Christ (as well as 4 other Chicago hospitals)that is the plan. Induce labor and then let the child die afterwards. (I think Stanek said 4 out of 10 live-birth abortions there involved a child with some physical anomaly)
Christ Hospital is owned as a joint venture of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and United Church of Christ (Obama’s former church). Rev. Jeremiah Wright sat on the board governing that hospital.
Obama’s “punished with a baby” statement is part and parcel with Wright’s philosophy of life. Concerning Black poverty, crime, etc, it’s not Black men unwilling to commit to a family(such as Obama, who only got married because Michelle issued an ultimatum, to her credit)that is the problem; the resulting baby is the problem, and the government is oppressive if it doesn’t allow the baby to be the scapegoat for irresponsible behavior.
justincase on September 11, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Enrique — you sound like a curmudgeonly old confirmed bachelor who hasn’t left the psychology library in about 35 years.
Who said life was supposed to be perfect, or easy?
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Tommygun on September 11, 2008 at 9:59 AM:
And the point is that it should be up to the government to decide what “defect” is deserving of termination.
This is where relativism is killing our society. What’s good for thee, may not be good for me. When we begin, as a culture, to make decisions about what kind of imperfection in a fetus/baby/person is grounds for termination, then we, as a culture, are doing a quick slide to the muck.
SuzEQCitizen on September 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
I can vouch for this as far as the National Health Service in the UK. The wife is pregnant with baby #3. Child #2 is a little boy with DS, age 2. As a result, the wife has been brought in for three ultrasounds looking for DS markers in baby #3, each time performed by the head of the pre-natal unit. Each time asked “Are you sure you don’t want an amnio?” “Are you sure you are sure?” This with my son sitting in my lap, smiling and babbling and behaving like a toddler. It was quite depressing and shows how the system is stacked against DS kids being born. There is an institutional bias against those diagnosed with disabilities prenatally.
The irony is, once you convince them that you are actually serious about keeping the child, the after care here is spectacular. There are some really lovely people who are part of the NHS who care for my son.
zmrzlina on September 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Income reduction is a horrible residual for the doctors. A hardship they must face with an optimistic and resurgent attitude. Next thing you know they will be raising their prices.
Griz on September 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Please allow me to say a word for all the NON Down Syndrome babies who are never brought into the world.
About 10 years ago three young women in my family were pregnant at the same time. They were not siblings, but sisters-in-law.
They all had their amniosyntesis within a few weeks span. Every one of them were told they may be carrying a DS baby. As stated above, they were told of future horrors and doctors suggested abortions. All of us, especially the parents-to-be, suffered anxiously through the next few months.
All 3 babies were perfectly normal. No one knows why the amnio showed what it did. But it breaks my heart to think — if this happend to us — how many healthy babies are aborted because of erroneous amnio results?
Please don’t interpret this as saying one or more DS babies would have been less welcome in our families. I’m simply pointing out how wreckless our medical professionals seem to have become on this issue.
jeanneb on September 11, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Great story, but you don’t have to be a “great” person to impact people’s lives.
Everyone, no matter the condition of their life, has the ability to impact others.
But the sweetness and peacefulness from a down syndrome child is precious.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 10:21 AM
There is no Abortion Industry in Canada.
Krydor on September 11, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Enrique on September 11, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Gee Enrique, my parents just recently celebrated 51 years of marriage, in spite of their second-born coming into the world with Down Syndrome when they were both just 28 years-old. “Somehow” (I think it’s due to some quaint concepts known as true love, faith and commitment), they even had three more children and went on to have fulfilling lives. Please don’t presume your ignorance applies to families who choose to embrace ALL of their children — even the ones deemed “unworthy” by people like you.
Dariaanne on September 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Only partly off topic.
I remember debating a liberal regarding laws like mandatory helmut laws.
He argued that if a person gets hurt, then that person will have medical bills, and since govt pays a lot towards medical care, this will affect his taxes, which in turn gives him a right to restrict any behavior on the part of others that will increase their medical bills.
My response to this, was that this was a strong argument against socialized medicine, not an argument for helmut laws.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM
It has been some time since the slaughterhouse, abortion industry first smelled blood but they like it and can’t forget it . . . and the pay isn’t bad either.
rplat on September 11, 2008 at 10:24 AM
The Hippocratic Oath (below) doesn’t seem to support this idiot doctor’s idea that there is something positive and necessary about killing off defective babies. In fact, that “I must not play at God” part seems to indicate the opposite. This man should lose his medical license IMO because you can’t trust a doctor who doesn’t respect life.
I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.
I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.
I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.
I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.
I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.
I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.
I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.
I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.
highhopes on September 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
I never thought eugenics would make a comeback. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
Steven on September 11, 2008 at 10:26 AM
That is a very inspiring story.
Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.
Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.
Matthew 25:40 & 45
Loxodonta on September 11, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Patton’s army met stiff resistance as it advanced.
Akzed on September 11, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Precisely. I have been using that argument for years, and have never gotten a rebuttal. Sure, our system is screwed up, and is a lo-o-o-ng way from optimal. But it is more of an insurance issue than a care issue. The left is masterly at confounding those two concepts. Patients do get turned away from hospitals, but it is because the hospital is either bursting at the seams and has no room, or is under an emergency itself (ala Katrina). Care is not denied.
But it will be when Washington makes the decisions, and your care (and mine) will be subject to cost-benefit analyses. Yes, if you/we think healthcare is screwed up now, just wait ’till Washington runs it for a decade.
ss396 on September 11, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Enrique at 10:14
How can you possibly be fulfilled as a parent knowing your child will never be normal?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If feeling fulfilled as a parent is your goal, then you shouldn’t have children, period. Loving someone isn’t about me, me, me. When you really love someone they don’t have to be “normal” (define that one for me). You don’t love a child because they are “normal”. You love a child because that’s who you are. Love comes from the abundance of what’s inside you.
We lost our first child at 42 weeks. Our second child was diagnosed with a higher than normal probability of having Down’s. I felt awful. My sister said she had always almost wished that we had a Down’s baby in our family because of how innocent and lovable they are. When she said that I realized that my angst was because I thought God was singling me out somehow, as if He had decided I could never have the joys that others have.
Our daughter and 3 other children have all been born with “normal” ability levels. And sometimes now I almost wish they didn’t have to understand the crap all around them. I almost wish they could just carry simple, trusting faith and not have to see the ugliness of man’s intellectual games. To be happy, to not have to “get” the cruel jokes and doo-doo fights… is that really such a horrible life for a child to have, or for a parent to watch their child have?
justincase on September 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
You actually believe that your OPINION, trumps the real life experiences of those with DS children?
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
One could also estimate the number of babies not born to parents who have a special needs child and then decide that they lack the resources to have some number of additional children.
Many parents make a decision to stop having children at the point where their resources limit their ability to adequately care for what might be a 3rd or 4th or 5th child.
dedalus on September 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Enrique:
Allow me to fix this sentence for you.
It seems to me that a perfectly normal child would take a giant emotional, physical and financial toll on a person’s marriage and family.
Some of you folks are posturing yourselves as experts on what matters to parents. Blue eyes? Brown hair? Gifted intellectually, athletically? Great disposition? How about loving, giving, and fulfilling? Down’s babies can’t be that?
What about the child born with a heart defect? Think that isn’t going to take an emotional, physical, and financial toll? Ever try putting four kids through college? Think that doesn’t take an emotional, physical, and financial toll?
/insert major eye rolling emotie here.
SuzEQCitizen on September 11, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Also, Dr
Nathan BernardsonBernard Nathanson, the founder of NARAL who has since become pro-life, wrote a book (can’t remember the title off-hand) detailing just how bad a racket the abortion industry was/is and how it lies to further its agenda.I imagine it was a dyslexic error; fixed it for you.
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Ironic, huh? The “best and the brightest” are forever burning up brain cells fretting over how to abort those with “defects.”
Somehow I don’t picture all the people I’ve known with Down syndrome sitting around pondering how to do away with those who might be born too intelligent.
saint kansas on September 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM
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