Down Syndrome UK (DSUK), a charity working to support those with Down syndrome and carers of those with Down syndrome, held an exhibition in Parliament this week.
DSUK asked parliamentarians to sign their pledge which supports ‘ending the current practice that medical practitioners offer an expectant parent the option to terminate, based purely on the diagnosis of Down syndrome.’
Nicola Enoch, CEO of DSUK, and mother to a child with Down syndrome, said, ‘at the moment, when an expectant woman is told her baby has Down syndrome, she’s given options to terminate straight away. Current medical practice is based on the assumption that the condition is life-limiting. We believe this is ableist and offensive, and that the culture in maternity wards is overly directive.’
DSUK is hoping to replace this narrative with a positive one: that people with Down syndrome are valued and loved members of their communities and families.
The exhibition received a warm reception from MPs and Members of the House of Lords, and attracted support from all parties.
Fiona Bruce MP visited the exhibition on Wednesday 26th October and was pleased to add her support to the campaign. She said, ‘I know, having met many of them, how Down syndrome children can grow up to live loving, meaningful and fulfilling lives, so I am pleased to support the Positive About Down Syndrome Campaign, to know that prospective parents know of the support available to them and all Down syndrome children – up to, and from, the moment of birth’