Comments on: If Down Syndrome Cure Discovered, Most Parents Might Decline

By: mherrmann

mherrmann — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:15:42 +0000

The headline is very misleading…given what is reported in the story, 73% of parents might opt in for the treatment! Also, calling the treatment involved a “cure” is not accurate. The drug involved would only improve cognitive skills–which in and of itself would be wonderful! However, a “cure” would “fix” all the effects of Trisomy 21 or perhaps prevent Trisomy 21 from occurring, and this seems highly unlikely.

By: twinkie1cat

twinkie1cat — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:10:36 +0000

I think that if a parent were presented with the actual choice that their child could be more able and that if they died their child could go out and get a good job and be bright enough to take care of all his own needs, that they would be quick to fix their chromosomes as long as it was assured not to be temporary and could not cause a more severe disability. Downs is not a bad disability as disabilities go, but it does carry some measure of permanent dependence and most do not go to college or learn a skilled trade with which they can support themselves fully.

By: TomMc

TomMc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:21:46 +0000

I think I fall into the 32 percent that are not sure. I love my son the way he ‘is’ and cannnot imagine him any other way. But, I know he longs for ‘normalacy’ which tugs pretty hard at me. I am all for the prenatal testing but I am afraid too many people decide to terminate without understanding, and thus an important and wonderful part of our humanity is being lost.