My mother-in-law was diagnosed breast cancer in 2003. When she received the diagnosis, she was understandably worried as she witnessed her mum died of the condition in the 70's. However, as a medic myself, I knew that the mortality rate has reduced through the decades and my mother-in-law was diagnosed at an early stage thanks to screening. Breast cancer was a terrible disease in the 70's. Her mum died an agonising death. In contrast, my mother-in-law had surgery to remove the lump, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She had hormone therapy for 5 years and she was cleared. Her life now is more or less normal. Breast cancer is merely a distant memory. Yes, it wasn't pleasant to have chemo and radiotherapy but after she's endured that. she came out reasonably healthy.
In the years after her diagnosis of treatment, she has witnessed marriages of her children, birth of her grandchildren, overseas holidays and many enjoyable things. It is actually quite similar to a Down Syndrome diagnosis. As a mother to a son with Down Syndrome, I have the privilege to know people with the condition from very young to fairly old. I see families struggle with the diagnosis and how they struggle through the first few years of life with the health issues. It isn't plain sailing but whose life is plain sailing anyway? Children with Down Syndrome are often born with other medical problems such as heart problems, oesophageal tracheal fistula, haematological problems and problems with hearing and vision. Yes, they have low muscle tone and delay speech and development as well. However, as I have witnessed the families that I know personally and those that I met on social media, the most rocky period is the first two years of life. Similar to cancer, they require treatment, which can often be distressing. However, most children and young people with Down Syndrome grow up to lead a healthy life and they are able to participate in more or less everything the typical children enjoy. Most families who have children with Down Syndrome lead a pretty normal life.
My son goes to a mainstream primary school, attends Beavers, learns swimming and gymnastics. He enjoys cycling and outdoor activities. He has friends. Some may think it is an exception but it is not. I know many children with Down Syndrome enjoying lives, having friends, taking part in sports and activities. I know many young people with Down Syndrome having jobs and live on their own. And most families that I know are happy. They are not suffering as some people may think.
If someone receives a diagnosis of breast cancer through the screening programme, nobody in the right mind will suggest euthanasia as a way out. As we know even the treatment is distressing, there is life after treatment. So why should we automatically assume someone will opt for termination upon receiving a Down Syndrome diagnosis? The ethics of abortion for babies with Down Syndrome is based on what we knew in the 60's, at a time that they are not expecting to live beyond 20 years of age and not expected to be educated. Now the life of people with the condition is much better. Shouldn't we think again?
