10-year old Mexican girl with Down syndrome taken from mom under Trump policy illustrates injustice

Social media and news reports have been flooding in due to the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy resulting in children being separated from family members attempting to enter the United States. The Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray has highlighted the case of a 10-year old girl with Down syndrome being separated from her mom, despite her father, a U.S. citizen, residing just 60 miles from where she was detained. This case illustrates injustice.  Continue Reading

Avengers Infinity War, utilitarian ethics, and prenatal testing

The blockbuster movie Avengers - Infinity War features heroes and villains sacrificing for what they perceive is the greater good. The ethical issues in the movie are shared in how prenatal testing is administered, but with a key distinction. Continue Reading

I wouldn’t cure Down syndrome because then my sister would be different

Reactions to my post on if there was "cure" for Down syndrome, would you do it have come from near and far. Here's a summary, concluding with an honest, heartfelt response from very near to me.  Continue Reading

Cure for Down syndrome promised with just a single injection

If you could give your loved one with Down syndrome a shot that would eliminate their extra 21st Chromosome, would you? This may be a very real question in the not too distant future.  Continue Reading

Ohio’s Down Syndrome Abortion Bill: Avoiding the Issue

For the second time, an Ohio state representative has introduced a bill to ban abortion when the stated reason is a prenatal test result for Down syndrome. The debate about the bill, and the measure itself, avoid the issue about Down syndrome selective abortion.  Continue Reading

Eclipsing Down syndrome

On August 21, 2017, the first full solar eclipse spanned the continental United States. Our family was there to see it and the experience prompted this reflection on what the world is doing to those with Down syndrome.  Continue Reading

Persistent challenges: bigotry and ethical prenatal testing

A visit to National Park sites, a presentation to medical professionals in Kansas City, a violent protest in Charlottesville, and a news report out of Iceland all came together in less than a week as a reminder of the persistent challenge of our bigotry against our fellow human beings.  Continue Reading

Baby Doe Redux, but even worse

In March, parents trusted their doctors with the care for their son with a very rare condition. The doctors have now convinced courts to rule that death is more beneficial for the child than continued treatment. And, the parents can't do anything about it.  Continue Reading

Our Story: D.C. & Traveling with a Child with Down syndrome (2 of 3)

This is the second of three installments about our family's recent tour of D.C. for the kids' Spring Break. The first installment provided a rundown of the many sites we visited. This post will share a message for new and expectant parents of children with Down syndrome (but others may appreciate it as well). Continue Reading