Part 2: what if you found out their diagnosis 1 week after birth

  • Sadbutdru@sopuli.xyz
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    8 hours ago

    Yes, in my experience, aquired brain injury is one of the hardest things for people (and their families) to adapt to, but that’s a whole different kettle of fish than Down’s syndrome.

    The post talks about the ethics of pre-emptively aborting a fetus that has a high likelihood of "severe downs syndrome ", and this is something many people face irl ask the time. my point is (mainly) that people with Down’s syndrome can have a lot of joy in their lives, and bring a lot of joy to those around them, despite the fact that they will face certain struggles (as so many of us do, in our own ways). And (secondly), although it’s outside the scope of the hypothetical situation in the op, foetal tests for Down’s syndrome are notoriously unreliable.

    I’m just saying don’t be afraid. Most new parents want to avoid any chance of anything ‘wrong’ with their child, but nearly everyone has something…

    Source: have worked with children and adults with a variety of physical and intellectual disabilities, and in my own friends and family know (and care for) a multitude of neurodiverse people and those with chronic mental illness or addictions.