Paren't magazine released an article this month on the 14 fears during pregnancy and why you should not fear them. As you ladies know my Oliver has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, so when I read #5 I was taken aback. #5 states basically that the fear of a defect, yes a DEFECT, like Down Syndrome can be avoided by having babies young and taking your folic acid. It is also DS awareness month and I am just shocked and saddened that a magazine that is read by millions is still using these outdated thoughts and ideas. My Oliver is not a defect. This is the article, and this is my response to said article. I just needed to share.
I am so very disappointed in your 14 fears article. To say that Down Syndrome is a birth defect, to lump it in a category where you can "just take your vitamins and folic acid" to prevent these "defects" is shocking to me. Your ignorance in this article saddens me. Your outdated standings on Down Syndrome are being shared with millions. Stating that it is simply some sort of defect we should all be in fear of is appalling. I am a healthy 25 year old women who has taken my folic acid, and in no way did either of these factors that supposedly "work" according to your article change anything about the fact that my Oliver has Down Syndrome. He isn't even here yet and I am already so in love with him, to call him a defect is disgusting. I am still in the trial period of my subscription of your magazine, but after posting this article, during Down Syndrome Awareness month no less, I do not want to see your magazine in my mailbox again. Cancel my trial, I have nothing I would ever want to read from your ignorant and outdated ideals.
Re: Parent's Magazine Rant
Oliver is so lucky to have you and is going to have a wonderful, happy life. Don't let the ignorant get you down.