Many people around the globe observed World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st by celebrating the lives of those with the genetic condition. The day of awareness for those with an extra chromosome was first observed by the United Nations in 2012.
UK actress Sally Phillips, whose son has Down syndrome, shared a video of some children who were just “having a good time.”
Happy World Down Syndrome Day, folks! If this video isn’t the best way to start the day I’m a potato. Well done again @Wouldntchangea1 corking!! Don't Stop Me Now - World Down Syndrome Day https://t.co/LZf3vDANYI via @YouTube
— Sally Phillips (@sallyephillips) March 21, 2019
Some wore mismatched socks Thursday to signal their support for those with the condition.
On #WorldDownSyndromeDay, people around the world are showing off their wacky, odd and mismatched socks to show their support. https://t.co/sQ3QGXFIED
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) March 21, 2019
Many shared pictures of family members with Down syndrome, telling stories about the joy they brought them.
it’s world down’s syndrome day so here’s my gorgeous little sister to wish you all the best day <3 pic.twitter.com/pdjIPRpz0M
— ?????? ???? ???????????? ?????? (@ilyjoons) March 21, 2019
Happy #WorldDownSyndromeDay. Nobody is luckier than us to be the parents of Joe. That smile on your face is his gift to the world. @joesvillage pic.twitter.com/GWM9RYQiIF
— Steve Redmond (@sjredmond) March 21, 2019
Happy World Downs Syndrome Day Tweeps. Here's Brent doing some top class uncling & adulting & generally rocking the extra chromosome. Pip loves him & so do I. Feel free to RT #WDSD19 #wouldntchangeathing #WorldDownSyndromeDay #wonderfullymade pic.twitter.com/NtY0smFzy4
— RevJacqui (@RevdJacquiT) March 21, 2019
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, I wanted to give a special shoutout to the best bro. Nate is the happiest, wittiest, & healthiest little dude ever. He is truly a gift from God. The only disability is a bad attitude! Never judge a book by its cover ?? #WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/Ri0FQjDJAv
— m a n d a (@uhmanduhellisor) March 22, 2018
I have been so blessed to have Alinah in my life as a sister and best friend. Her personality, humor, and intelligence continues to amaze me and I think everyone should be aware that having Down Syndrome in no way affects her happiness and love for life ?? #WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/7czItlITyr
— brianna garcia (@briannajazelle) March 22, 2018
HAPPY #WorldDownSyndromeDay
— StanceGrounded (@_SJPeace_) March 21, 2018
THIS IS MY BEAUTIFUL NEPHEW. He is my pride and joy. I wouldn't change him for the world. He is so perfect. Perfect the way he is. He is not less than anybody else. His disability is his strength. ? pic.twitter.com/SrMlnx32pM
life is better with you sis??#WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/Lx9RXpDhUb
— abbs???????? (@abby_herrington) March 21, 2018
Others highlighted the contributions of some very talented athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, and public speakers with the condition.
Two days ago, 21 runners from the National Down Syndrome Society embarked on the run for 3.21, a 250-mile run from DC to NYC.
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 21, 2019
These runners just crossed the finish line here on our plaza on #WorldDownSyndromeDay! pic.twitter.com/FWk3ZbYO9G
"I have Down syndrome.These words summarize me, but they do not define me. They are part of my life but not barriers to my life..."
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) March 21, 2019
More from athlete leader Chaica Al Qassimi ? https://t.co/4dxcAYy1Go. #WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/K1vOeoAhMx
On World Down Syndrome Day, join Daniela in supporting the rights of women and girls! ?? #WDSD19 #LeaveNoOneBehind pic.twitter.com/BJ941HbMoY
— UN Women (@UN_Women) March 21, 2019
On #WorldDownSyndromeDay, meet John, the man with Down syndrome spreading happiness with cheerful socks. ???? pic.twitter.com/2jnT9efpAb
— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 21, 2019
"But I am so proud to be Down Syndrome, so proud."
— Mencap (@mencap_charity) March 21, 2019
Listen to Berge, this World Down Syndrome Day, discussing his life and what matters to him. #WDSD19 pic.twitter.com/FrfOuf2hUN
I recently met Juman a student volunteer working to ensure that persons with Down Syndrome lead happy and fulfillling lives.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) March 21, 2019
On World Down Syndrome Day I applaud the work of Juman and many others like him, as we renew our commitment to #LeaveNoOneBehind. #WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/QRct0RBiN9
Born with Down’s syndrome, Andrew taught himself to dance.
— BBC (@BBC) March 21, 2019
(Via @BBCThree)#WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/lIX4WyRkn6
Some raised concerns about the high rate of abortions for unborn children prenatally diagnosed with the condition.
That number is roughly 67 percent in the United States. A recent CBS report found a near 100 percent abortion rate for those diagnosed with the condition in Iceland. Denmark has a 98 percent abortion rate following screening and diagnosis of the condition and in France the number is 77 percent.
Did you know?
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) March 21, 2019
Of the babies diagnosed with Down syndrome:
100% are aborted in Iceland
98% are aborted in Denmark
67% are aborted in the US
Our world is being stripped of love, joy & beauty
This lethal discrimination must end.#WorldDownSyndromeDay
."I am a man with Down syndrome and my life is worth living"
— Susan B. Anthony List (@SBAList) March 21, 2019
According to an article by @LozierInstitute - roughly two thirds of babies diagnosed with DS are aborted. Children with Down syndrome should not be targeted, they should be embraced! #WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/DcAgLcfPFI
"This baby is so easy to love...I don't want a world without children with Down syndrome."
— Live Action (@LiveAction) March 21, 2019
Courtney Baker is the mother of a baby with Down syndrome. She shares why our society must reject abortion and embrace children like her daughter Emersyn.#WorldDownSyndromeDay pic.twitter.com/j1VelZ63A0