Why is Down syndrome a syndrome?

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In previous posts, I've discussed what is Down syndrome and why the condition is called "Down syndrome." But why is it a "syndrome?" Continue Reading

Why is it called “Down syndrome”? (Or, why I wish there had been a Dr. Awesome)

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Yesterday concerned what Down syndrome is. Today is the first of two posts on why it is called "Down syndrome." Continue Reading

A Down Syndrome Mid-Life Crisis

I turn 40 this weekend. As I look back and look forward, I see a mid-life crisis for Down syndrome.  Continue Reading

America’s creed: will Down syndrome prenatal testing abide by it?

In honor of this week's July 4th holiday, I wonder whether the administration of Down syndrome prenatal testing will abide by America's creed.  Continue Reading

The Shape of the Eye: our diagnoses do not define us

The Shape of the Eye was originally published in 2011. This Spring, it was re-issued in paperback and is enjoying the attention it deserves. A memoir by George Estreich about many things, but prompted by the birth of his daughter Laura, it has much to share for all of us. Continue Reading

Gosnell, after-birth abortion, and Down syndrome

Kermit Gosnell (AP Photo/Philadelphia Daily News, Yong Kim)Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia physician, was convicted this week for  first degree murder. A jury found him guilty of killing babies born alive after botched abortion procedures. There are academics who have cited prenatal testing and selective abortion for Down syndrome to argue that not only are Gosnell's actions not criminal, but morally justifiable. Continue Reading

Outlawing abortion won’t help children with Down syndrome? History might suggest otherwise.

Earlier this week, the New York Times Motherlode blog featured a post by Alison Piepmeier with the headline: "Outlawing abortion won't help children with Down syndrome?" Much of what she wrote echoed points I have made previously, but there is a distinction based on historical examples. Continue Reading

Two birthdays with competing legacies

Ten score and four years ago today, Abraham Lincoln was born. That same day 204 years ago also was the birthday of Charles Darwin. The competing legacies of these two men twist through history like the spiraling parallel sides of the DNA molecule. Continue Reading