These days, more and more expectant parents use testing to determine what genetic defects might affect their child. When parents are told that their child is likely to have Down syndrome, 91-93% of parents choose to end their pregnancies in abortion. Thinking about the reasons that such an astounding statistic exists, it seems likely that fear is a factor that drives parents in that direction.

After reading the article: Son’s Progress Inspires Parents I got a clearer picture of what it is that parents fear when facing the thought of having a child with Down syndrome. The article tells the story of a couple’s journey through preparing for their child’s anticipated disability. Their fears were many; fears that their son wouldn’t be accepted, that he wouldn’t be joyfully welcomed into the world, that he wouldn’t have the same achievements as others.

During the pregnancy, the couple went through a mourning period. They really were mourning a death of sorts—the death of the dreams that they had for their child. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) Because of the fall, we have things to mourn over. Because our freedom in Christ and understanding of His redemptive purpose of our lives, we have freedom to mourn the things that are broken. That includes broken dreams. And so, these parents mourned.

Then their child was born, and they rejoiced. Since then, their fears have evaporated as their son is invited to parties and develops his motor skills. They took a chance on their son, a chance that only 7-9% of similar parents take.

What can be done to encourage more parents to embrace a child with Down syndrome? Maybe more testimonies from parents of children with Down syndrome would help debunk the fears that people have about having a child with a disability. There must be a way to eliminate the statistic. We need to find it.