Wish you could expound on it more and illustrate more via pics etc. The big decision to me is the “Common Sense” factor don’t you think? As I said earlier this is a thought provoking subject. We are not told exactly how or who or what conditions so in that sense I see no harm. I am all for procreation and I do believe the words “go ye forth and multiply”. You are someone who takes care of DS people and good for you (I cheer you on) therefore you would probably have some personal stories (without names of course) of discussions you have had with them or concerns they have or various points on the matter first hand which would be educational and interesting. Now, of course, your other blogs may identify this but if not why not here. I do believe education on the subject would lead to better ideas and thoughts. Much is left unsaid in your blog and therefore leaves your commentators giving “emotional” answers which are not based on “the facts” of DS people and their sometimes far-ranging physical development. Another point I could make perhaps is that I wished the blog was somewhat longer with more pics and information on DS people. I think this is important for readers to know and forgive me if your thoughts on this are there and I missed it. One thing I didn’t catch in your blog was whether “you” were for or against this. Man, this is a thought provoker for sure and surely a worthy topic. I do think of the fact that if they had a child and the child was not DS themselves what kind of a life would the child have growing up in a cruel society etc.
When DS children get a certain age and depending on their own physical disabilities they have desires and concerns. Of course circumstances would play a role in this as I consider how vulnerable he or she would be and depending on the partner….it’s a tough question. How would I approach this as a dad of a DS child (I am not….I’m just thinking out loud) feel about my child having babies? I think my first reaction would be that if there is a need for my child to want to get married I’m sure I would not be against this.
I am torn on how to answer this question in a way that would satisfy my own feelings on this. Your post is most intriguing and presented as a topical question certainly brings out a certain mindset. If your loved one is physically healthy, in a committed relationship (marriage or otherwise) and financial stability is present in the form of them having a job or family providing such assistance, should they go ahead and create life? Why? Or, Why not? Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Now that we know it is physically possible, do you think your loved one should bring a life into this world? Honestly, just as with everybody else, it depends on the individual’s circumstances. To Have a Baby or not…That’s the Question I know some of us thought having boys with DS would spare us the whole contraceptive discussion. There are at least 3 instances where paternity tests proved that the father was indeed a man with Down Syndrome. Men with Down Syndrome CAN father children People with DS are just like everybody else with feelings just like everybody else. I know it’s not easy, but we the caregivers must find a way to speak with our loved ones about sex and even more importantly, safe sex.
“How was your day? Let’s talk about condoms.” God knows that must be THE WORST segue in life. I know contraceptive is not the easiest topic to bring up or talk about. So guys, you know what this means? Contraceptive is a must. Presently there are at least 30 documented pregnancies involving women who have DS. While not all women with Down Syndrome (DS) will be able to have kids, some are indeed fertile. Women with Down Syndrome CAN get pregnant YES, people with Down Syndrome can and do have babies.
This would be a good time to insert a deep inhalation followed by a long slow exhale. Can people with Down Syndrome have children? The answer to this question will bring joy to some and to others, a whole new dimension of fretting in an already topsy-turvy world. This is a question many of us caregivers ponder.