Sorry, Sally Phillips, but a woman should be able to know if her unborn baby has Down’s syndrome

[Neema]

1. I created a new account to reply to this.

I was a frequent poster on DU for years but had a sobering experience IRL. I couldn't change my user name or delete my account, so I left for a long time. But I had to respond to this because it makes me crazy.

Anyway, I had a late in life pregnancy, and I absolutely tested for everything I could. As much as I wanted a child, I knew I couldn't risk having a child who couldn't live independently as an adult. I don't have other children, or a large family network, or unlimited funds to set aside for a lifetime of care.

That is unfortunately the reality I had to face thanks to years of the far right gutting social programs. They love to espouse their "pro-life" bullshit, but that stance ends as soon as a mother gives birth.

People love to act like you're some kind of monster for not wanting to take a pregnancy with Down's to term, but I couldn't bear the thought of a having an adult child left all alone when I die, not able to take care of himself or herself. I just don't trust that the safety net will be in place. And the very people who want social programs to be taken away are the same ones who'll wag their fingers about abortion.

/end rant