What do you think of Emmerdale’s Downs Syndrome abortion storyline? *contains spoilers MNHQ*

[IntoP20]

I don’t actually watch the programme, but just read a headline that explained two characters (Laurel and Jai) are going to make the decision to terminate their baby with Downs Syndrome.

Is this damaging to new parents /expectant parents and those with Downs Syndrome themselves? Or is this a positive move to reduce the stigma around women being able to make choices about their bodies?

@HBGKC brilliant article!

My eldest child has severe learning disabilities, he’s now an adult. He is the most wonderful boy however, He’s incredibly hard work. He requires care 24/7. I worry about him constantly. My other children have had a very different childhood to their friends. They’re happy kids but spoiled with things because I don’t have the time for them. They’ve never had a proper holiday because it’s too difficult/impossible with our eldest. We’ve never had a family meal out or a proper family day out. He will be dependent on us for the rest of our lives. His disability isn’t life limiting so someone will have to take over When we’re gone.

Down syndrome is a spectrum, some people with DS will lead independent lives, some will require Care 24/7 In some form. It’s a very difficult decision to make and one that needs to be carefully thought about looking at all possible scenarios. Sadly there’s very little support available and it’s a constant fight for adequate education etc.

I haven’t actually watched it but I definitely think it’s a good thing if it’s raising awareness.

I think it completely depends how it’s shown. I don’t think anyone should be made feel bad for making the decision to abort a baby with DS or any other possible disability- I (and many others) have a lifestyle and job that wouldn’t allow them the extra commitment of having a child potentially needing so much additional support and would definitely be against continuing the pregnancy but on the other hand I personally know people with DS who live perfectly ‘normal’ and independent lives.

I can see how it could be quite a sensitive storyline to people with DS or the parents of though.

@Babdoc

People seem to think that Down’s syndrome is just a mild learning disability and express outrage at the idea of aborting a fetus who suffers from it. However, Down’s has a high incidence of associated comorbidities including congenital heart defects, which can be life threatening and require major surgery, oesophageal and gut atresias, ditto, impaired immunity, leading to an increased risk of cancer (particularly childhood leukaemia) and infections, a very high risk of dementia beginning early in their fifties, and a reduced life expectancy. There can also be epileptic seizures. Many pregnant women would not want to produce a child who would have to suffer a lifetime of ill health and an early death - rather than inflict that, they choose termination before the fetus is sentient, and then go on to have a later normal pregnancy. It is absolutely their right to make that choice, whatever other people, or surviving Down’s patients, think of it.

This 100%

I had a son. For some reason the triple test that tests the blood and can detect problems was missed off. I went through the pregnancy and had various issues, and not very good pre natal care. The upshot is that my son was born with many defects, most of which are mentioned in the above post. He lived 24 hours before his life support was withdrawn.

In the review after with my consultant he said if the triple test had have been done it would have revealed downs syndrome, and then other tests would have been carried out to reveal the extent of his disabilities. He then asked if i would have aborted knowing the baby was so poorly. I shocked him when my answers was yes, 100%.

Downs syndrome is not always a mild disability. People need to remember that any decision to abort is painful, and never taken lightly, but the pain and grief a woman can feel by going ahead with the birth is much more traumatic to baby and mother.

I remain pro choice even in late pregnancy