Our baby has Down Syndome...advice needed

Angela, I agree..

And really, it is like saying we can tell who will turn out like what.. And we should "elimate" all of those who are a "burden." The issue is more about how we view our society and our resources. And what we value and where we invest our energy and time.

It can tie into making sure that we have "purity" and the "superior." And really, how do we define a full life. I haveahighereducation degree. Some people don't. And you know what, they don't want to. They have other interests, other roles in life.

And really, what is a "normal" life anyways..

Angela you said:

Not all Down's Syndrome children/adults have the same functioning scale.  They like all of us have varying IQs and mental function. 

Angela, your comment above is the result of reading too much into my post and actually not reading it. If you read, you'd notice what I said in a previous post by the following:

On average, most children that grow up into adults have an average life expectancy of 49.5 years of age with mental retardation that possibly fluctuates between IQ ranges of 50-70 (Considered mild by clinical standards) to moderate mental retardation (35-50).

Cognitive abilities in children vary yes, but their cognitive abilities are limited and children (and adults) with Down Syndrome do not perform tasks the same way we do regardless whether they are on television shows or not.

Some of them can learn to read, hold jobs, care for themselves like cooking, laundry and even act.

Like I said cognitive abilities differ and many individuals suffering from Down Syndrome have underdeveloped motor skills (which is why "special schools are required to assist those with this disease). Your comments here are misleading to those ignorant of Down Syndrome because you are presenting individuals with disorder as if they could function "normally" and although many of them can, again, they require more assistance with tasks than the average "normal" individual.

You always point to it being religious in nature with me

Well you are and it comes out in your writing. It's not a bad thing, it's what I see.

I'm glad you got to meet one or two people with Down's Syndrome.

Where in my writing did you see that I said I "met" one or two people with down syndrome? Again, this is a product of reading too much into my posts rather reading it (also reading my posts with your emotion rather than simply reading it).

I've known people with this condition my entire life.  I lived in a small town with less 900 residents.  I grew up playing with them, talking to them and experiencing their lives as a friend

That is great and its good that individuals such as yourself were able to experience this, however, as I stated above stop reading too much into what I said, rather, read what I say. I know for a fact I have knowledge of this disorder more than majority of the individuals here. I've had the luxury of using FMRI's to look at differences and variability between those with Down's and those without Down's. I've conducted an average of +2500 hours of AFP screening and Quad screening, as well as PAPPA screening for expectant mothers. I've assessed many patients with organic brain damage. Having an amatuer's knowledge of disorders is no substitute with actually practicing.

A day of clinical study does not make you even remotely qualified to dispense even the slightest professional opinion

I again have to remind you about reading too much into what I wrote. did I say 1 day? I've personally assessed many patients with developmental disorders  and down syndrome is one of them. But allow me to clarify, as residents, we are basically Dr.'s in the sense however, because when I went through clinicals I had so many patients (in addition to my other job) I could not possibly focus on one specific individual (or condition) this is why I chose the broad field of Neuroscience, that means, what I've spent thousands of hours on are evaluations using FMRI (Functioning Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Like I said before, I don't blabber about something I truly do not know.

These are PEOPLE.  You all are acting like its some sort of choice

It is every right for every parent to decide what to do with their child, thus, making it their choice. Just because you define your morality on the basis of your faith does not give you or me or anyone here the right to tell someone what to do with their child even if we disagree. I said before that the decision is up to the parents and I refrained from putting my own moral implications in it. I only mentioned on possible defense of someone who may abort their child.

Angela,

You're a "God conscious" person because you sincerely care for this individual that is why I respect you a bunch. I guess what I'm trying to say here as a male is, what she wants is her choice. Her husband trying to prevent her from having the child is not right because in essence, he is telling her what to do with her body. I agree with you in that children with Down Syndrome are persons and deserve the same respect as any human being. I also agree with you in that those living with this genetic disorder can live functional lives (although rather short than average expectancy). I apologize if I sounded cold hearted because I'm not. I love life and wish life to be fulfilled towards all human beings.