Editor’s note. October is Down syndrome Awareness Month. We will be posting stories, just like this one, all month.
As a former police officer I have always been fascinated by “Wanted Dead or Alive” posters that sought to track down dangerous villains who had committed heinous crimes. Many of these criminals had committed murder and were considered armed and dangerous. The lawmen who pursued these violent offenders were very brave and on occasion had to use deadly force to subdue the lawbreakers so that the public could be safe and justice could be served.
Currently there is a group of human beings who receive death sentence for the “crime” of being identified prenatally with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
These remarkable individuals are wholly innocent and have hurt nobody. Yet as many as 90% are convicted without a trial.
What is the faulty “evidence” that results in a death sentence? That individuals with Down syndrome are a “burden.” Truth is studies show that almost 100% of families–parents and siblings–love their children with Down syndrome and are proud of them.
Likewise when asked, 99% of people with Down syndrome, ages 12 and older, indicated that they were happy with their lives, 97% liked who they were, and 96% liked how they looked.
This lethal prenatal discrimination represents a total miscarriage of justice. Once a death verdict is rendered there is no chance for an appeal, commuted sentence, or pardon.
My beautiful daughter Chloe was born with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. In her 13 years, she has never posed a risk, a threat, or a danger to anyone. She has filled her community with more love, purity, joy and kindness than the majority of people do in a lifetime, and she teaches all people LIFE lessons that are desperately needed.
Children diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome are literally dying for a LIFE sentence so they can shine their amazing lights.
In our misguided culture they should all be “Wanted not dead but alive.”
The reward for society is a group of priceless human beings this lost world cannot afford to lose.
Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves”
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
