Duggar Nation, Large Family and Intellectual Disabilities

Years before the development of ultrasounds women were discouraged having children passed the age of 32 because of having a child with an intellectual disability such as down syndrome. Women would most likely carry to term without knowing the diagnosis or even the baby's gender. And until the actual delivery everything was unknown .

The knowledge of the gender happened at birth along with diagnosing genetic issues. There was no pre-planning. Or abortion due to a genetic or intellectual disabilities or conditions deemed "Incompatible With Life. A pregnant woman went into labor without knowing if anything was wrong. Once the child was born the Dr and nurses encouraged the parents to give up the child if the child was disabled. The mother was discouraged from even seeing the child if physical anomalies was present.  More often than not the mother left the hospital without the child. If the child lived he/she tucked away in an institution for however long he/she lived. Thank Goodness this isn't the case anymore in the United States. But at the same time the abortion rate is 90% for women carrying Down Syndrome. 90% of Down Syndrome babies is murdered before they take their first breath. Before they can show their parents or the world what they can do they are scraped out of their mother's womb and disposed of.

Ironically the down syndrome blogs I follow the mothers were in their 20's when their child was born. Twenties is not 32. As a matter of fact Michelle Duggar has given birth 10 times since her 32nd birthday. Her 10th child died during gestation and her 9th after 32nd Birthday (19th) child was born premature but is fine now. Josie's birth and struggle to live was documented for the world to see on TLC (19 Kids and Counting) . Another Family known for a large family also has 19 kids, half of the Bates children were born after Mrs. Bates was 32. As far as I know none of these 38 children have genetic issues or intellectual disability.

During fertilization and early fetal development a genetic hiccup occurs. In the case of Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21 there is 3 copies of the 21st Chromosome. With Edwards Syndrome or Trisomy 18, there is 3 copies of chromosome 18. And Trisomy 13 or Pateau there is 3 copies of chromosome 13. Trisomy 13, 18 and 21 are often seen in the ultrasounds or during genetic testing. The degree of disability varies from child to child. Even typical children learn differently and at different rates. Early intervention is important for kids regardless of learning or intellectual difficulties to give them the best chance.

Trisomy 13 and 18 are considered incompatible with life , life saving surgery and medical intervention is often denied. Sometimes the un-repaired heart defect ends their lives.

Kids with disabilities should be allowed to live, learn and love.