Would ban the abortion of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome
Disability rights activist Karen Gaffney has swum the English Channel, holds an honorary doctorate, and is a nationally acclaimed speaker. In short, Karen, who has Down syndrome, has an amazing list of accomplishments on her resume.
Yet, she knows that babies with the same disability that she has are targeted for abortion, simply based on a prenatal test that detects Down syndrome.
Standing before scores of people in the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda Monday, Karen asked, “Am I not compatible with life?” To which she answered, “We (people with Down syndrome) are more than compatible.”
Karen’s inspiring words came during a rally to promote House Bill 2050 and Senate Bill 1050—legislation that would ban the abortion of babies diagnosed with—or believed to have—Down syndrome. As one advocate noted, Pennsylvania is on the cutting-edge of disability rights legislation—only four other states have passed similar measures.
Passage of the bill is also a personal crusade for disability rights activist Kurt Kondrich and his daughter Chloe, who has Down syndrome. Chloe, a vivacious high school student, has become something of a goodwill ambassador for people with Down syndrome, hobnobbing with public officials, sports stars, and acclaimed musicians.
In fact, the Kondrich family appeared at the White House earlier this year for a Rose Garden ceremony marking the anniversary of the tragic U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade. In the years since Roe, the abortion of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome has become commonplace. Research indicates the vast majority of children who receive such a diagnosis are aborted.
Karen Gaffney and Chloe Kondrich are among those shattering stereotypes, hoping to bring about greater awareness of the abilities of people with Down syndrome. Such individuals make tremendous contributions to their families, their workplaces, and their communities.
One large-scale study indicated that an astounding 99 percent of people with Down syndrome consider themselves happy. But they and their families are decidedly unhappy about the staggering numbers of children with an extra chromosome who are aborted before they can draw their first breath.
Action Item: If you live in Pennsylvania, please contact your state representative and state senator and urge them to support House Bill 2050 and Senate Bill 1050.
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.
