The World Day of Down Syndrome, March 21
“Down syndrome or other illnesses cannot deprive a man of the right to birth and to life” – emphasized Fr. Pawel Rytel-Andrianik, spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference on the occasion of the World Day of Down Syndrome celebrated on March 21.
On the eve of the World Day of Down Syndrome a press conference was held at the University of John Paul II in Cracow, during which there was presented a report “Problems of families of children with Down Syndrome in Poland” by scientists from this papal university, Bioethics Centre and the “One of Us” Foundation. The researchers carried out surveys among nearly 400 families from all over Poland and presented the difficulties faced by parents raising children with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Among the most acute problems appeared, among others: discrimination against children with Down syndrome by teachers and doctors, poor quality of medical and therapeutic care, lack of support from the society.
“From the words that children with Down Syndrome are wanted, we must go to actions. There is a need for greater care, interest and concrete help from the society and the Church for families bringing up children with trisomy 21. We shall respect children with Down syndrome and be grateful to their parents for showing us that love knows no limitations like trisomy 21 or other diseases and disabilities” – said the spokesman of the Episcopate.
The report “Problems of families of children with Down syndrome in Poland” also shows that 70% of parents believe that a child with Down syndrome allows them to develop more fully their humanity.
