When Doctor's Said No, The Bythewood's Said Yes

Abortion is a common go-to for those in the medical field. Within the Down syndrome community, many parents hear it suggested one time too many. "Your baby has a 90% chance of having Down syndrome. We recommend abortion.” “There are several Down syndrome markers present. We recommend having an abortion.” “Down syndrome means an unhealthy and difficult life. We recommend abortion.” This is a huge concern for those in the disability community and an issue many are trying to correct by educating medical professionals and the general public.

Instead of taking the doctor’s advice when the Bythwood’s were told there was nothing they could do for their baby, they went a different route. They decided to lean on hope and turn to their religion.

Discrimination, Genocide, Advocacy and AwarenessLindsay RobertsonJune 29, 2020discrimination, abortion, AwarenessComment

Heidi and Aidan's Case to Change UK Abortion Law

As you know, the law in England currently allows you to terminate a baby after 24 weeks, and indeed to moments before they are born, if they are found to have a “serious disability”. Serious disability is not defined by the law and has been interpreted to include Down’s Syndrome. Heidi, a young, capable woman with Down’s Syndrome wrote to you. She has said that she finds the law “deeply offensive” and is launching a legal battle against the government with regards to this. Your Department of Health and Social Care said; “any decision to terminate must rest on the judgement of the women and her doctors”. As I see it, there appears to be two predominant voices within this debate; those who believe it is an issue of women’s choice, and those who believe it is an issue of the human rights of those with disability.

Genocide, DiscriminationAnonymousJune 15, 2020awareness, advocacy, discrimination, law and policyComment

An Entire Community In Mourning

As a member of the Down syndrome community, I’m heartbroken and outraged at the same time. As a mother, I’m scared of the world my children are being raised in. As an individual who cares, I’m pissed off that there isn’t more awareness being made focusing on these three kids. Why are these cases not national news? Why don’t they get the same attention as any other murdered child?

For those reasons, I’m going to share the information I’ve found on two of these cases below (you can find information on Kylee Willis here – Adam Hughes’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 19th, 2020. He has been charged with “assault on a child causing death.”) and the link that includes the contact information for those working on each case as well as examples of the letters that you can send if you’d like to reach out and help make a difference.

Discrimination, Advocacy and AwarenessLindsay RobertsonJune 1, 2020Down syndrome, awareness, advocate, discriminationComment

Recognizing Trauma In Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

From talking to a wide number of parents, care-givers, family members, healthcare professionals and the like, recognizing trauma in individuals who are intellectually delayed, or those who may be nonverbal, is a big concern; “What if something happens and we can’t tell?,” “What if they can’t express what’s going on and it continues?” The list of questions and concerns over this one topic are endless and I’ll admit, I’ve thought about it myself. As a mother of a daughter who has Down syndrome, the very last thing I want to think about is the possibility of some kind of abuse occurring and my daughter unable to tell me about it.

So what can we do? We educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms of abuse and the steps we take if it does occur.

Advocacy and Awareness, EducationLindsay RobertsonJuly 22, 2019Abuse, discrimination, Down Syndrome, educationComment

The Eradication of Down Syndrome; The Facts And How To Change It

“In Iceland, every single baby – 100 percent of all those diagnosed with Down syndrome – are aborted”. (Bell, L. 2017, para 2). The statistics are chilling, and the rest of the world is not far behind, “98% in Denmark, 90% in Great Britain and the USA” (Bell, L. 2017, para. 6-7). Advocates and families of children with the gift of Down syndrome are shouting their child’s worth in any forum possible, in hopes of saving a life that is truly worth living. Having a child with a disability can be challenging, but, also one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences to be encountered. Children with Down syndrome teach patience, unconditional love, how to see abilities, not disability; and that a person’s worth is not measured by their intelligence or societal standing, but, by their determination, capacity to spread kindness and joy and to truly see the good in everyone. The medical community needs to be educated on how to deliver a complete diagnosis that presents the positive side of a life with Down syndrome to expectant families.

Kate ManducaApril 22, 2019down syndrome, save down syndrome, discrimination, eradication, advocateComment

Odhran Varney: How Medical Professionals Couldn't See Past A Diagnosis

“As he grew older and around 2 y/o he started to have trouble going to the toilet. He would scream in pain and it was glaringly obvious something wasn’t right. We took him to the doctors between the age of 2 and 4 at least 20 times. Always the same answer. He has Ds and constipation was a side effect. We placed our trust in the professionals. I will never forgive myself for that. After multiple trips to the hospital A&E and being made to feel like we were wasting their time. The look and lack of belief in what we were telling them was so evident. Our son was not the weight his age should have been but still it took us 2 years to get a serious appointment to have a look at the problem…”

DiscriminationLindsay RobertsonApril 15, 2019down syndrome, #deardoctor, discriminationComment

The Spread The Word To End The Word Campaign and Why It's So Important

The word retarded first originated as a medical phrase, “mentally retarded,” from the mid 1890’s which was synonymous for slow or delayed. This term was originally used as a replacement for other derogatory terms at the time like moron or idiot. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that this term took on an entirely different meaning used to insult people.

Justice for Logan Christy: Our Letter Writing Campaign

We cannot change what Logan’s parents did to him, but we can advocate to get what little justice we can for him now.

Discrimination, Advocacy and Awareness, GenocideKaitlin PepperJanuary 14, 2019discriminationComment

Dear Iceland, Meet My Son with Down Syndrome

ICELAND HAS BECOME A TRIGGER WORD IN THE DOWN SYNDROME COMMUNITY.

It began last August when CBS News “On Assignment” reported the birth rates of people with Down syndrome diminishing to nearly zero in Iceland. The headline read: “’What kind of society do you want to live in?’: Inside the country where Down syndrome is disappearing” the short version is this quote:

DiscriminationMardra SikoraOctober 22, 2018down syndrome, save down syndrome, iceland, discriminationComment