Opting to Adopt

I very much would like to write about today's readings, but am not sure that I will have time. But I do have time to copy and paste these letters to the editors of Zenit that were pointed out to me. They move me, I think, especially in light of my youngest sister's handicap. Enjoy!

"The Hard Case of Down Syndrome
A response to: Discovery of Down Chromosome Called a Victory

The routine abortion of 90% of children with Down syndrome is one of the most tragic manifestations of the culture of death.

Focus on this issue is, I think, one of the best ways to advocate for the right to life. Pro-choice groups often raise the issue of "hard cases." But certainly the routine abortion of children with this syndrome is a "hard case" that the Pro-life movement can use (sex selection is another), because the same progressives (I will not quibble over labels) who support reproductive choice also often fight for the rights of the disabled.

Perhaps an international campaign focusing on this issue would be in order, perhaps focusing, in particular, on the adoption of children with Down syndrome.

Perhaps this is a project that some Catholic dioceses might consider taking on -- creating a registry of Catholics in their region who would welcome a baby with Down syndrome. The registry could then be publicized, asking couples considering abortion to consider adoption instead.

Perhaps another way is for companies that make pro-life clothing to produce shirts with the message "I want to adopt a child with Down syndrome."

Michael Trolly, Ottawa"

and

"Seeking Children With Down
A response to: The Hard Case of Down Syndrome

My husband and I have been on a national registry to adopt a baby or child with Down Syndrome for three and a half years. Hopefully our wait will soon be over! We think it is important to put our hearts on the line for these children and these birth mothers. We have had two birth mothers choose us and then keep their babies in the end. This is a great result! It is hard emotional work to be there for birth mothers who are confused about whether or not they will accept their babies. We really want to adopt a baby with Down Syndrome so each time an adoption falls through it is bittersweet.

We feel so strongly that more Catholics need to be willing to adopt babies and children with disabilities whether they have their own children or not. If we claim to be pro-life then we need to live it to the best of our ability. Of course not everyone is cut out for raising a child with a disability, but we believe that if you found out that your biological child had a disability and you would still choose to raise him, then you are a good candidate to do a home study and let the adoption agency make the final decision.

God loves all the little children, and Catholics need to do their best to love and accept all God's children also! (even when they are adults!)

Linda Melsa"

What an excellent idea. Of all the people to abort, children with Down Syndrome seem the most senselessly destroyed. Of all the people in the world, given even a moderately loving home, they are the happiest. Their almost insensate simplicity and joyfulness are almost contagious. I have met dozens of people with Down Syndrome, and never once heard even a hint of regret from their families. Doctors who urge parents to abort their unborn children tested positive for Down Syndrome are morally reprehensible. More than that, they have got to ideologically eugenicist to the point of actual psychosis, to be so out of touch with the reality of these children.

I think Mr. Trolly and Ms. Melsa are on to something.