Re: Fw: NDSS letter to Professor

[Guest guest]

I did!

Qadoshyah

Book ~ Down Syndrome: What You CAN Dowww.gotdownsyndrome.net/Book/whatyoucandobook.html

Got Down Syndrome?www.gotdownsyndrome.netBlog: http://gotdownsyndrome.blogspot.com

[DownSyndromeInfoExchange] Fw: NDSS letter to Professor

Let's all send Jon a big THANK YOU email for this wonderfully drafted letter!!!, Mom to 14, DS, Southern CaliforniaTo succeed in life,you need three things:a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.~ Reba McIntyreDiagnosis Down Syndrome: A Site of Hope for New Parents or Parents with a Prenatal Diagnosishttp://www.leeworks.net/DDS/What to Say to Parents of a Child with a Diagnosishttp://www.leeworks.net/DDS/speech.html> From NDSS:>>>>> Professor Albert K. >> The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill>> Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3280>>>> February 20, 2008>>>> Dear Professor Albert ,>>>>>> The purpose of this letter is to explain why the entire Down syndrome >> community was impacted by your recent lecture notes in your embryology >> class:>>>>> "In my opinion the moral thing for older mothers to do is to have > amniocentesis, as soon during pregnancy as is safe for the fetus, test > whether placental cells have a third chromosome #21, and abort the fetus > if it does. The brain is the last organ to become functional.">> A recent study from Harvard Medical School published in the American > Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology surveyed mothers who had received a > prenatal=>> diagnosis of Down syndrome. Among the many recommendations from mothers >> was the request that professionals keep their personal opinions to >> themselves>> and, instead, let expectant parents make their own decisions. Mothers >> asked that professionals provide up-to-date and accurate information >> about Down=>> syndrome so that they could make the best decisions for their families. >> Attached to this letter is a copy of the research for your reading.>>>> Personal opinions, such as yours, typically stem from a lack of current >> and=>> up-to-date information about Down syndrome. This directly impacts >> negative=>> public perception of people with Down syndrome and ultimately affects the >> decisions expectant parents are making.>>>> As I'm sure you know, there are approximately 400,000 people in the=>> United States who have Down syndrome, which is most often caused by a >> thir=>> d copy of chromosome 21. The average life expectancy of an individual >> with =>> Down syndrome has increased from 26 in 1983 to 56 today, partly due to >> recent medical advances. For the past 30 years The National Down Syndrome >> Society and several other Down syndrome support groups have worked >> relentlessly =>> to elevate the public perception of Down syndrome. We are dedicated to >> addr=>> essing the broader issue of acceptance and inclusion of people with Down >> sy=>> ndrome.>>>> Every year more individuals with Down syndrome are going to college, >> workin=>> g in various professions, living independently, getting married, and >> contri=>> buting back to society in many wonderful and productive ways.>>>> The Down syndrome community is upset and disappointed with your remarks, >> as=>> you've publically failed to recognize the achievements that individuals >> with Down syndrome have accomplished.>>>> It is imperative that medical professionals be trained to deliver a >> prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome that is balanced, unbiased, up to >> date, accurate and sensitive. The UNC, including your embryology class, >> puts students on the road to becoming excellent doctors, nurses, and >> genetic counselors. The National Down Syndrome Society is eager to >> educate you and your students on this issue.>>>> In speaking before your class, you did not provide accurate and >> up-to-date =>> information about the abilities and skills of people with Down syndrome. >> As a professor and public leader, we feel that your charge is to present >> factual information and not to state your personal opinions. I'd> to extend an invitation to you and your class to have NDSS Goodwill > Ambassador Burke (formerly Corky from LifeGoes On) come to>> your class and speak about his life experiences with Down syndrome. We'd >> also be happy to arrange for Skotko, M.D., M.P.P., who has done >> research in this area to present accurate scientific information to your=>> class. I invite you to open up a discussion and education panel to show >> yo=>> ur students the other side of what you presented to them.>>>> I look forward to your response.>> Sincerely,>>>>> Jon Colman>> President>> National Down Syndrome Society>> 666 Broadway>> New York, NY 10012>> jcolmanndss (DOT) org>>>>>>>>>> CC: Holden Thorp, Bruce Carney>>>>>>>> Privacy Policy=20>> © 2008 National Down Syndrome Society>>>>>>>>

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.9/1292 - Release Date: 2/21/2008 4:09 PM