Anchorage, Alaska, Apr 24, 2008 / 03:42 am (CNA).- Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin on Friday gave birth to her fifth child, a son who has Down’s Syndrome.  She said that she and her family had been “truly blessed.”

Governor Palin’s labor began while she was in Texas at the Governors’ Energy Conference where she gave the keynote luncheon address.  She was able to fly back to Alaska in time to deliver her son, Trig Paxon Van Palin, at 6:30 a.m.  He was born one month early and weighed six pounds, two ounces. 

Testing during early pregnancy revealed the baby had Down’s Syndrome.  Governor Palin said she was sad at first, but her family now feels blessed that God chose them.

The family released a statement which said, “Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”

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