President Trump released a statement Monday celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the first official statement recognizing the month by a U.S. president since Bill Clinton in October 1993, according to a search of archived presidential statements and resolutions. Ronald Reagan was the first president to officially designate October as “National Down’s Syndrome Month” in 1984 by signing a resolution to that effect.
In his statement, Trump particularly warned that “there remain too many people – both in the United States and throughout the world – that still see Down syndrome as an excuse to ignore or discard human life.”
“During Down Syndrome Awareness Month, we celebrate the significant contributions that people with Down syndrome make to their families, to their communities, and to our Nation,” President Trump wrote. “We also salute the family members, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that these extraordinary people enjoy lives filled with love and increasing opportunity.”
“Sadly, there remain too many people – both in the United States and throughout the world – that still see Down syndrome as an excuse to ignore or discard human life,” he said. ”This sentiment is and will always be tragically misguided. We must always be vigilant in defending and promoting the unique and special gifts of all citizens in need. We should not tolerate any discrimination against them, as all people have inherent dignity.”
“The approximately 250,000 Americans with Down syndrome truly embody the great spirit of our Nation,” he concluded. “They inspire joy, kindness, and wonder in our families, our workplaces, and our communities. We will always endeavor to make sure that their precious gifts are never maligned or taken for granted.”
High rates of abortion for unborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are prevalent all over the world.
A recent CBS report highlighted the near 100 percent abortion rate for those diagnosed with the condition. Denmark has a 98 percent abortion rate following screening and diagnosis of the condition and in France the number is 77 percent. Even in the United States, 67 percent of those diagnosed with the condition are aborted.