Down Syndrome

Something many parent's have to think about when tests are being offered during pregnancy.
Should you have a test?
What to do if the result is positive?
Lots of emotional turmoil even thinking about it.

We had a test, unsure what we would do if the result was positive.
How could you know until you are there?
In life, I like to say that we are exactly how we are, to avoid value judgments when I feel them creeping up on me.

Noah was born without Down syndrome. We didn't have to think further.
However, it is still worth thinking about, and I just read a very good article that talks of a new test which makes screening easier and earlier, raising a variety of issues.

I thought this quote from a mother, whose daughter Penny has Down syndrome, really brings those issues down to a basic question:

"Can she live a full life without without ever solving a quadratic equation? Without reading Dostoyevsky? I'm pretty sure she can. Can I live a full life without learning to cherish and welcome those in this world who are different from me? I'm pretty sure I can't."

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/11/29/are-kids-with-down-syndrome-on-the-road-to-extinction/#ixzz1fIJa85Ot