Eugenic practices in Spain leading to “extinction” of Down’s syndrome children
Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente

Madrid, Spain, Mar 27, 2008 / 04:11 pm (CNA).- The director of Fundacion Vida in Spain, Manuel Cruz, said cases of “Down’s Syndrome have been reduced by half due to prenatal diagnosis and selective abortions.”

In recent statements, Cruz said, “Many of these children who would make their families happy have been forgotten and left among the 1.1 million fetuses killed in Spain since 1985 when abortion was partially legalized.”

After noting that “in merely fifteen years we have gone from 1 in 600 babies with Down’s Syndrome to 1 in 1000,” Cruz stressed that in Spain women are having children at an older age, while the rate of Down ’s syndrome, rather than increasing, is diminishing.” He called this “a silent and dramatic paradox” that leads to the conclusion that “children with Down’s Syndrome are in danger of extinction.”

Cruz noted that in countries where abortion is legal, prenatal testing has led to a three percent increase in the risk of abortion and a decrease in the number of children born with Down’s syndrome.

“There is no question that having a child with special needs can be difficult, but it also brings a series of satisfactions sometimes unimaginable.”  He pointed to the example of Maria Victoria Troncoso and her husband Jesús, who 31 years ago adopted their daughter Maite, who suffers from Down’s.  In their book they write about how Maite, “with her abilities and values show us she is happy and that she knows how to make others happy.”

She shows affection and kindness in different ways to many people, they said.  “She is sensitive and helpful. She thinks of others and that makes her feel good,” her parents wrote in the book.

“Lives like those of Maite and Maria Victoria show that abortion solves nothing, while life enriches,” Cruz said.

Imprimir Incrementar tamaño de fuente Disminuir tamaño de fuente
Subscriber comments:
Published by: Kevin
Indianapolis, IN 04/04/2008 08:16 AM EST
Our second child has William's syndrome, something very like Down's syndrome, just far more rare. It's also genetic and can be tested for.
When my wife was pregnant with our 3rd child on her first visit to a new OB in a different state the woman asked why we wanted to have more children since we already had one screwed up one - her words. I think if I'd been in the room at the time I would have smacked the woman.
Of course, we found a new OB immeadiately.
That's the mentality these days, my daughter's life is apparently not worth living by liberal calculus.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Julie Klekas
Elko, Nevada, USA 03/29/2008 10:00 PM EST
When I read these stories of how babies with Down Syndrome are selectively aborted, I often cry and feel so sad. We have a beautiful little 2 year old son with Down Syndrome. He is the youngest of 10 and he is everyone's favorite brother. He makes us smile and laugh all the time. God keeps making babies with Down Syndrome and God does not make mistakes. They make life more wonderful and enriching, not less. Their souls will always be childlike, meek and humble. I was praying the Divine Mercy Novena and on day 6 we pray for Meek and Humble souls and the souls of Little children. The Novena says that "These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly singout a hymn of love and mercy." What a blessing to have such a soul in the family!
Rate this comment:
Published by: SB
Los Angeles, Ca USA 03/28/2008 12:46 PM EST
Please, before you write about people with disabilities, learn some of the terms that are acceptable. For example, people with Down syndrome "don't suffer from it", simply... people with Down syndrome.
Rate this comment:
Published by: Elizabeth Schafer
Chebanse, IL USA 03/27/2008 05:51 PM EST
I have a set of identical twin boys that are Down Syndrome.They will be 5 in April and we are so thankful for them! We feel GOD has truly blessed us with them! I can't imagine life with out them! It saddens me to hear of the aborting of these SPECIAL GIFTS FROM GOD! Those tests are not always acurate either! UP WITH DOWNS!!
Rate this comment:
ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):
NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:
 
PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:
* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.
ADVERTISING
Place your ad here
Resources:
Columns:
News:
Documents:
Tools:
ACI Group:
ACI Prensa