Up with Down's!

No one questioned it or raised as much as an eyebrow. The newscaster was dead-pan when he read it from his autocue.

The fact that it sounds the death knell for thousands and that the result will be indiscriminate massacre passed completely without comment. And by one of those grim ironies which few seem to notice, the source of this horrific policy is a government-sponsored body called N.I.C.E. (National Institute for Clinical Excellence)! Oh, and in case you were wondering in which country this could happen, it's yours - the United Kingdom.

For many years pregnant women who were thought to be 'at risk' have been offered a test to ascertain whether or not the baby they are carrying has Down's Syndrome. The test was not foolproof and carried some possibility of causing a miscarriage. More recently a safer and more reliable test has been developed which could be made more widely available. Such a test may now be offered, presumably as part of the ante-natal package, to all expectant mothers.

Just that: people

So what is this dreadful condition which the medical profession - and society at large - wants to stamp out? Presumably it is some terrifying scourge like smallpox or TB or AIDS. Well, no; most people know Down's Syndrome as a form of disability. It affects about one in every 600 live births and results in an extra chromosome in every cell. It happens to mothers of all social groups, in every country, regardless of education. It is more common in mothers who are older. Down's Syndrome shows itself in distinctive physical characteristics but this does not mean that it affects every person in the same way or to the same degree. Some are very seriously disabled both physically and intellectually. At the opposite end of the spectrum the effects may seem mild, with the person achieving a reasonable level educationally and living more or less independently. In between the variations are enormous.

But that is only half the story. People with Down's Syndrome are, first and foremost, just that: people. If you talk to those who know them you will find that they are frequently very positive about their friends or relatives with the condition. Of course, there are stereotypes: they all enjoy music, they are very loving, they are good at needlework, they like bright colours, and so on - which are about as true of them as any group of people. They may be inclined to be stubborn (because they were spoiled?), and bad-tempered (because they find it works?). But, having known scores, perhaps hundreds, of people with Down's Syndrome, I have to say that they are more likely to be considerate, affectionate, friendly and fun to be with than the generality of people. Perhaps that is why the Aztecs used to worship people with the condition!

No protection

The recommendation that all expectant mothers should be screened is not, however, to prepare a welcoming party for the new baby. It is simply so that the mother can choose to have an abortion as soon as possible. As things stand, disability is sufficient reason for aborting a baby at any point in the pregnancy, even up to full term. Since the conception of a baby with Down's Syndrome cannot be prevented, exceptional measures to prevent its birth are considered acceptable. And if, perchance, a birth happens, then it is still not too late; the baby can be allowed to die - with the parents' permission, of course. (Yes, it really does happen!)

A secular society has no rationale for protecting and preserving the lives of those who are seen to differ from the norm, especially when they are viewed in an altogether negative light. One researcher I know tried to raise a few thousand pounds for research into the positive aspects of Down's Syndrome. No grant-making body would assist. But when every human being is seen as being made in God's image, then the rich diversity of human life and experience can be appreciated. The challenge and contribution of each one can be valued.

Christian organisations that speak up for those who have little voice, like PROSPECTS with its ministry to people with learning disabilities, and Care Trust with its ongoing pro-life activities, deserve and need all the support and encouragement we can give them. They voice our concerns where they should be heard, and express our compassion where it needs to be felt.

PROSPECTS, PO Box 351, Reading RG30 4XQ.

CARE, 53Romney Street, London SW1 3RF.

David Potter

© Evangelicals Now - December 2003
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