October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. In previous posts, I've discussed what is Down syndrome and why the condition is called "Down syndrome." But why is it a "syndrome?" Continue Reading
October 2, 2013
Why is it called “Down syndrome”? (Or, why I wish there had been a Dr. Awesome)
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Yesterday concerned what Down syndrome is. Today is the first of two posts on why it is called "Down syndrome." Continue Reading
September 27, 2013
A Down Syndrome Mid-Life Crisis
I turn 40 this weekend. As I look back and look forward, I see a mid-life crisis for Down syndrome. Continue Reading
July 2, 2013
America’s creed: will Down syndrome prenatal testing abide by it?
In honor of this week's July 4th holiday, I wonder whether the administration of Down syndrome prenatal testing will abide by America's creed. Continue Reading
June 19, 2013
The Shape of the Eye: our diagnoses do not define us
The Shape of the Eye was originally published in 2011. This Spring, it was re-issued in paperback and is enjoying the attention it deserves. A memoir by George Estreich about many things, but prompted by the birth of his daughter Laura, it has much to share for all of us. Continue Reading
May 16, 2013
Gosnell, after-birth abortion, and Down syndrome
Kermit Gosnell (AP Photo/Philadelphia Daily News, Yong Kim)Kermit Gosnell, a Philadelphia physician, was convicted this week for first degree murder. A jury found him guilty of killing babies born alive after botched abortion procedures. There are academics who have cited prenatal testing and selective abortion for Down syndrome to argue that not only are Gosnell's actions not criminal, but morally justifiable. Continue Reading
April 2, 2013
Outlawing abortion won’t help children with Down syndrome? History might suggest otherwise.
Earlier this week, the New York Times Motherlode blog featured a post by Alison Piepmeier with the headline: "Outlawing abortion won't help children with Down syndrome?" Much of what she wrote echoed points I have made previously, but there is a distinction based on historical examples. Continue Reading
February 12, 2013
Two birthdays with competing legacies
Ten score and four years ago today, Abraham Lincoln was born. That same day 204 years ago also was the birthday of Charles Darwin. The competing legacies of these two men twist through history like the spiraling parallel sides of the DNA molecule. Continue Reading
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