What would you do if you found out your unborn child might have downs syndrome

I would not have an abortion. I have been around people with Down's Syndrome and they can bring so much joy to people. It seems like you always have the "child" quality that the rest of the world grows out of. I'm sure there is a lot of stress involved in raising them too, but the same is true for "normal" children. I definitely think they are a gift from God.

I would not have an abortion. Having the advance notice would give me some time to prepare though. I'd try to make sure I was living in a school district with a good special education program, read books about raising kids with special needs and see if I could find a support group in order to talk with other parents.

Whenever I respond to a discussion like this I feel the need to first say since I couldn't possibly be in that situation I can only guess what I'd do or how I'd react. In the case of Downs Syndrome or birth defects the severity could vary so much it's hard to answer to begin with. I've known people who have had babies with Downs Sydrome or other genetic defects and for some having and keeping their child was the biggest blessing of their lives and for others it brought a great deal of pain and sorrow. When I say that, I mean because of the child being born, in some cases following a difficult pregnancy and birth only to have nothing but suffering in what turns out to be a very short life. I guess my answer is, it depends on a number of things such as the possible severity of the condition, the actual odds of it happening (1:145 isn't even a 1% chance) and my own situation financially, physically, emotionally, qualification to care for a deformed or handicapped child and either the financial capability of paying for the help I'd need or the flexibility and the time to do it myself. Sometimes the "practical" seems cold and heartless but unfortunately it's part of real life. I'll pray for you and your girlfriend, no matter what decision is made. Annie

I have a child with a birth defect called fragile-x. I have a 50% chance of passing it on to any son I have. I did not know before he was born that he had fragile x. I did have 4 more sons after him (none of whom had the defect). We had testing with the last 3 boys, but we would have not done anything differently if they had fragile x. We just would have been more prepared for it.

My daughter didn't know she was having a Downes baby until the day she had her and as soon as they told her the first thing she thought was she wouldn't keep her. Because my daughter was only 22 didn't bother taking any tests and nothing ever showed up as being wrong at any time. She wouldn't even see my granddaughter for over 24 hours but a nurse just brought the bassinette in her room one night and left. When my daughter finally looked at that baby she picked her up and fell in love her and to this day she's the best thing that ever came into our lives. We all take our chances in this world and nobody is perfect. I believe children are Gods gift to us and he gives them to us for a reason....so called "normal" or not. I think your friend should have that baby and see why God wanted her to have it.

Well, first of all, i would keep it. and have the baby... i would research the syndrome possibly sign up for some forums that are with other parents with children with downs,. see if theres anyone in my area.. look for a dr who has experience in working with children with down syndrome.(pediatrition wise) and just learn everything i possiblt can about it.

i would keep the child and love it even more. sure there are difficulties with that type of child, but generally the rewards are even greater!

Well, first of all, i would keep it. and have the baby... i would research the syndrome possibly sign up for some forums that are with other parents with children with downs,. see if theres anyone in my area.. look for a dr who has experience in working with children with down syndrome.(pediatrition wise) and just learn everything i possiblt can about it.

Well, first of all, i would keep it. and have the baby... i would research the syndrome possibly sign up for some forums that are with other parents with children with downs,. see if theres anyone in my area.. look for a dr who has experience in working with children with down syndrome.(pediatrition wise) and just learn everything i possiblt can about it.

It is hard to take a decision , but i think i'll opt for an abortion because i don't know if this child would be capable for itself all his life.I'll love and take care about this child, but for how long time?If i die, what will be happening with him?I don't know, it is hard to decide what to do.Maybe in your country there are better conditions for the children with this kind of problems,but here no one helps you in such cases and it is verry said.

I would keep it. Just because I can't imagine having to go through an abortion and I feel that everything happens for a reason. Would I see that child as a gift, that I don't know and couldn't answer unless I'm ever in those shoes. I know that no matter what I would love that child. Just know if she chooses to keep the baby that those tests are not always correct. And there are services and programs to help her take care of your child. My best friend from high school had a sister whose condition was an after birth condition but she ended up with about a 3rd grade IQ level. She is living on her own in special group home situation, has a job and is living a mostly independent life from her parents. They still check on her and keep tabs on what she is doing but they are even living in different states.

This is such a dificult answer because it is so personal. I would have the baby but I have worked with people with developmental disabilities and feel comfortable that I could raise a child and get the resources they would require. Life would be difficult and life changing but you would have a whole lot of support. Each person has to choose what they can take on personally.

if i found out that my child have a down syndrome? i would love him with all my heart..maybe God's has its own purpose why he send to me a child like that. I wont make any way or reason to kill him..instead love him and give him all my best just to show him that i love him so much..

if if found hat my child have a down syndrome? i wont hate him, i would love him with all my heart,,why?? we have to be thankful that God give us a child, maybe he has its own purpose why he sent us a child like that. or they will test us or observed if we can accept a child like that..

I my unborn child were tested for something, and it was discoered that the child would be "different" or "not normal," I would be glad to know in advance. I'd want to know so that I could make the necessary proparations to raise the child as well as possible.

I won't get an abortion and I kind of think 1:145 is a very small chance. As long as you love the child whatever birth defects he/she may have, they are still human and can always transcend whatever restrictions they may have. Always pray and take care of the mother well so that the baby will be healthy. I believe that if you had an abortion, God wouldn't give you anymore children, or there's just something around the corner that will hurt really bad.

There is no such option as abortion for me. Knowing in advance would be great b/c it would give me time to start preparing for how to raise the child. I would read all I could about the defect and learn all the tricks of the trade while the baby was still growing. That way when they hit the age where the syndrome really kicks in, I would be much better prepared.

Abortion is definitely not an option for me... birth defect or no birth defect... i will still go through with the pregnancy... but while my baby is not yet born... i will do a lot of research, ask professionals on how i can take care of my baby based on his/her needs... then i will look for a school where my baby will study in the future... Crying or feeling sad about it is natural... but that should not be the end of it all... i will love my baby... just like how i love my first one... but i can't help to love him/her even more...

if i have kids who have downs i will always love kids !! i dont belive in abortion !! if god made that way i will always be there for my kids !!

HI! First of all, please don't consider the thought of aborting the baby. The child definitely is a gift from the Father. It is only selfish to think of such things as taking away the life of an unborn child. Do note that there IS actually life already in the womb. Also, you may think of the women who are desperate to even get pregnant. My sister's married for 4 years now and still working on having a baby. Just take it positively, be very grateful for the gift of life, for the chance to have your own baby. Don't be confused now. have the baby, accept her for everything that she is, raise her well, and LOVE her unconditionally. They are like angels sent by GOD into this world. Also, mothers of children with this condition should realize that they were given these angels because GOD knows they WILL be good mothers to them. What more could you ask for. :)