We must defend all the rights of people with Down's syndrome, especially the right to life. 

On World Down’s syndrome Day, we appreciate and acknowledge all that the Down’s syndrome community brings to our society. Unfortunately, it is also a day in which the hypocrisy of many becomes apparent. Many will take this time to speak of diversity and inclusion of those with Down’s syndrome - despite also promoting a discriminatory practice which targets those with disabilities.

The oozing hypocrisy baffles me. Our society is, rightly, preoccupied with promoting human rights - especially for those with a disability. I only wish that those campaigning for the inclusion of members of the disability community would be consistent in their efforts and join us in campaigning for the rights of those same people BEFORE birth also! This pretence, which sees our society prioritise the care and support of the lives of those with disabilities, whilst discarding pre-born disabled lives to abortion can be highlighted by recent events in the cosmetics industry.

Valuing beauty...After birth

At the beginning of 2019, model Kate Grant (who has Down’s syndrome) became a Brand Ambassador for Benefit Cosmetics. This may appear to mark a societal step forward for the inclusion of those with Down’s syndrome, particularly in an industry marked by superficiality. The decision by Benefit Cosmetics, however, is undermined by the fact that the brand is set to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to Planned Parenthood - an abortion provider which specialises in the widespread killing of the unwanted and "imperfect"- including those with conditions like Down’s syndrome. Annually, Planned Parenthood kills 300,000 unborn babies. Benefit Cosmetics recently announced that every May, 100% of its brow waxing fees will go straight to Planned Parenthood. In this move, Benefit is promoting and funding the killing of those who they claim to represent with their new brand ambassador. Alas, it appears that the cosmetic industry only appreciates the value and beauty of human life, in all its diversity, AFTER birth.

Legal discrimination

Abortion for any reason is a tragedy. However, abortion law which is specifically targets particular demographics of people is discriminatory, dangerous, and cruel - and this is exactly what UK abortion law promotes.

Currently in the UK, an unborn baby diagnosed with a disability - including Down’s syndrome - can be aborted at any stage of pregnancy. Each year in the United Kingdom, 90% of those diagnosed with Down’s syndrome in the womb will be aborted. In 2017, 655 unborn British children were aborted because of a Down’s syndrome diagnosis. We have become a nation obsessed with screening for perfection and targeting those who fail to meet the criteria - 46 perfect chromosomes.

It is these shallow ideals of perfection which can mean life or death for unborn children with disabilities. Why is it that many of those who would rightly demand disability rights would also demand the right to abort those with disabilities? Surely this blatant hypocrisy is spotted by others.

Scotland's disability strategy

When the First Minster of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, states: "We have got to listen to people with Down’s syndrome, as she did in 2018, I can only laugh in shock and disbelief. How do public figures expect to hear those with Down’s syndrome when only a small percentage of them are ever born, because of the policy of their own government? These discriminatory practices are not lost on many in the Down’s syndrome community - in fact, many of the most outspoken opponents of the law have Down’s syndrome.

"Keys to Life" is Scotland’s learning disability strategy "based on a commitment to human rights for people with learning disabilities". The strategy states: "People with learning disabilities should be treated with dignity, respect and understanding. They should be able to play a full part in their communities and live independent lives free from bullying, fear and harassment".

Be their true ally

The hypocrisy is truly sickening. In what way could a government possibly preach about treating those with a learning disability with "dignity" and "respect" whilst promoting the dismemberment of those same people in the womb? Is it some sort of dark irony that the only human right "Keys to life" will not fight for is the basic right to life?

This World Down’s Syndrome Day, speak up for unborn children diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Stand up in defence of their unique and important contribution to our society. Defend all of their rights, most importantly the right to life. Be their true ally.