Somewhere I remember hearing, babies identified in utero with Down Syndrome only have a 25% chance of surviving the birthing process. 1 out of every 10 is ever even given that chance.  Many parents opt to abort.  How very sad.

After learning our unborn child had Down Syndrome, we were scheduled to meet with a team of specialists to help us navigate the road ahead. Turns out only one specialist showed.  All I remember is his opening question: What are you going to do?

I was confused.  I looked at him blankly.

I will never forget his response.  Staring at me with a stoic expression he stated, I’m of the mind life without intelligence is no life at all.  You are far enough along in your pregnancy, you only have one week left to make your decision.

He was talking about taking the life of my unborn baby, If this is what life WITH intelligence brought; a total lack of insensitively without a shred of compassion, I wanted none of it.

There is no decision to make. We are keeping this child, I shot back. He seemed shocked. He mentioned a book his wife was reading to him.

‘Expecting Adam’ is the true story of a child identified in utero with Down Syndrome.  Adam’s parents, learned scholars at a prestigious ivy league school are warned by doctors, advisers and friends not to keep their baby.

Reading the book I learned most Down Syndrome babies are aborted. I was stunned.

Shortly after Josiah’s birth I felt the need to surround myself with other woman who had children with Down Syndrome.  Through some networking, I was able to find 3 other mothers in our small town experiencing life similar to my own.

We met at a local coffee shop. Everyone shared  stories.  Each mother had similar tales of insensitivity by specialists. When one of the women assured her doctor she was keeping her unborn Down Syndrome baby, he became irate.  He moved in close, raised his voice, nearly screaming,  Who do you think you are, Mother Teresa?  Life with a child like this is very difficult.  You are making a big mistake.

She was in tears, but held her ground.  Her precious son was born a few months later.

Wouldn’t it be better when a baby is identified in utero as having a disability, for a team of specialists to meet with the parents comprised of other parents who are just a little further down the road?  People who have compassion and sensitivity, who are devoted to their children and can’t imagine living life without them.  People who can shine a light on the path and wrap their arms around burdened shoulders and say, It’s going to be alright.

I’m of the mind life without compassion is no life at all.