Juliet's Walk Team, 2013 Having covered Prenatal Testing (Ch. 2), Abortion (Ch. 3), and Down syndrome (Ch. 4), we now turn to the subject that most new and expectant parents wonder about and are surprised to learn about: the support that is available for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Continue Reading
May 18, 2021
The Sixth Circuit Dissents: If You Call Something an Abortion Ban, It’s Not Constitutional
The Sixth Circuit en banc decision upholding the constitutionality of Ohio's law on Down syndrome abortions is 111 pages long--57 of which are the dissenting opinions. As with the majority and concurring opinions, I'll do my best to summarize them. Continue Reading
May 10, 2021
Ch. 4, Part 8: What “Down syndrome” is to me
Juliet at Valley View in Yosemite National Park, 2019 In the final section of Chapter 4's exploration of Down syndrome, I first address generalizations about Down syndrome and then detail working through the stages of grief to coming to acceptance of my daughter's Down syndrome. I would welcome you sharing in the comments either [1] how you would describe Down syndrome to a new or expectant parent or [2] if you agree that the above picture is a beautiful one of Juliet (or both!). Continue Reading
May 6, 2021
The Sixth Circuit Concurrences — Novel Theories Beyond Abortion Precedence
A previous post covered the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision on Ohio's "Down syndrome Abortion Ban" law that I expect will lead to Supreme Court review. In this post, I cover the four concurring opinions, several of which offer novel theories beyond abortion precedence for evaluating these laws. Continue Reading
May 5, 2021
Ch. 4, Part 7: Down syndrome & behavior (or, “I’m no Angel.”)
The penultimate section of Chapter 4's exploration of "Down syndrome" turns to certain behaviors associated with those with the condition. You are welcome to argue in support of my position or against it that, however sweet many people with Down syndrome are, they ain't no angels. Continue Reading
April 27, 2021
Sixth Circuit Creates Split on Down Syndrome Abortion Laws; Invites Supreme Court Review
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has created a split amongst the Circuit Court of Appeals, inviting the Supreme Court to decide on whether state laws criminalizing Down syndrome selective abortions are constitutional. This is a significant ruling that could challenge the way physicians counsel expectant mothers and the availability of reproductive choice. Continue Reading
April 20, 2021
Ch. 4, Part 7: Down syndrome and the heart, reproductive system, leukemia, & Alzheimer’s
Juliet's transcription of the Atlas of the Human Body Continuing Chapter 4's discussion of Down syndrome and conditions associated with it, this section covers the remaining common internal conditions associated with Down syndrome. (BTW: as the caption describes the photo above, my daughter is enrolled in the Allied Health certificate program at her high school. She has loved her classes on medical terminology, emergency procedures, and sports medicine. On her own, she selected The Atlas of Continue Reading
April 15, 2021
How COVID-19 Vaccination Normative Effect Will Reinforce Reduction of Babies Born with Down syndrome
The public health goal of achieving herd immunity through massive vaccination against the coronavirus is a worthy goal. But, it also demonstrates the normative effect of prenatal testing leading to fewer babies being born with Down syndrome. Continue Reading
April 13, 2021
Ch. 4, Part 6: Down syndrome & physical characteristics
In this next section on the chapter on "Down syndrome", I describe some of the common physical characteristics associated with the condition. This part ends on a tough note. Continue Reading
Recent Comments