Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

re: Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

Liane — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:18:41 GMT

Palin also believes women should not be allowed to have an abortion even in cases of rape or incest, so the fact that she chose to have him doesn't hold much water with me. And I don't see her spending any time with the poor kid anyway, especially since she CHOSE to return to work 3 days after giving birth. Not especially heroic.

re: Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

Debbie — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:26:49 GMT

Geez Colleen....even if your claim is true, Palin could have flown to another state for an abortion. She did CHOOSE to have baby Trig. Even if you dislike her as a candidate, it's pretty cynical of you to claim that she manipulated the truth for political gain.

I am politically liberal, pro-choice and a feminist and will be voting Obama. BUT I completely respect Palin on this issue and don't see why my other liberal friends feel the need to tear her down just because they don't agree with her politics.

My prenatal screenings tested positive for Downs Syndrome. The doctors encouraged me to have an amnio to "determine" whether or not the baby definitely had Downs. And their attitude definitely implied that most mothers want the amnio so they can make a decision to terminate the pregnancy. They noted that they could provide access to a "genetic counselor" following the amnio who would have resources and advice.

I found the whole attitude a bit horrifying since I PLANNED my pregnancy and made a choice to get pregnant. So I just didn't think it would be moral for me to decide to terminate my pregnancy because I only wanted a "perfect" child. As it turned out, my son was born without Downs. But he would have been wanted and loved not matter what.

re: Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

Colleen — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:46:18 GMT

It is my understanding that Palin wasn't informed that Trig had Down Syndrome until she was 22 weeks pregnant. This is too late for a legal abortion in Alaska. For her to suggest, then, that she made the decision is either simple manipulation of the truth for political gain or a suggestion that she is above the law and could have done otherwise.

re: Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

kristina — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:06:59 GMT

That's right, you didn't have to make that decision (to terminate). But don't think the people who did wanted or loved their children any less then people that continue their pregnancies. As someone who terminated for medical reasons (not Downs), I take offense to the comment "working at Target" may not be good enough, or that I lack compassion and decency. There are many reasons why 80% of people terminate Downs pregnancies. Please don't think it's because of an assumption they are less deserving of a happy life.

re: Down Syndrome Teen Elected Prom King, Goes To College

bbbgmom — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:07:05 GMT

I totally agree with you. On everything. Little Trig Palin is - to me - the finest evidence that Sarah P. has a shred of compassion, decency and courage. I disagree with her on everything (as far as I know), but I completely respect her decision to "keep" Trig. Incidentally my dear friend's son has Down syndrome & is in a college program, working a part-time job. He still lives with mom and dad (at 21 going on 22), but he is a joyful man whose sunshiney outlook is infectious - who can argue with that? He is most certainly adding value to our community.