Celebrate Life Magazine offers a unique mix of life-affirming and life-changing articles that will encourage, uplift and educate you to build a culture of life.
Dear World,
This is our counter to the false, destructive, dehumanizing narratives being promoted by people like @McJuggerNuggets, @RichardHanania and others.
“What If” imagines a world where every person with Down syndrome is recognized as bearing the image of God. Not a burden to be managed. Not a problem to be solved. Not required to prove their value, defend their existence, or fight for the right to simply be. They are met with dignity, love and respect at every stage of life — where they belong. Fully. Without condition.
And to every person with Down syndrome, Autism, or any other condition, who may be frightened or hurt by public proclamations that you are less or unworthy or an inconvenience, and don’t deserve to live, we want you and your families to know you were created in the image and likeness of God, with purpose and possibility, and intrinsic value. We love you unconditionally — and we KNOW you have the strength and courage to push relentlessly forward!
#TeamIronWill #DownSyndromeAdvocacy #SayYesToPossibility #TheLuckyFew
"In the name of God: respect, protect, love and serve life, every human life! Only in this direction will you find justice, development, true freedom, peace and happiness!"
Evangelium Vitae
Covering the first three chapters of Genesis, "In the Beginning" takes us on a journey through the love of God, the existence of the human person, and the propensity man has to fall so easily from grace.
https://t.co/2TUhakmEAZ
Pro-life leaders have defined the goal as 'saving as many babies as possible.' Once that genie is out of the bottle, where does it end?
https://t.co/4ZyoeDVBrr
This choice was not what was best for the child or for the family. It is simply what felt easiest for the parents.
Every child is precious, valuable, and perfect. They are more than the struggles they might face.
We're praying that other parents recognize this truth.
This week, my wife and I made the very difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy due to Trisomy 21.
The choice was not made lightly. We really appreciate all of the personal stories that you guys shared with us, especially the unconditional support we received from fans with no matter what we decided.
I know some of you may be very disappointed to hear this news. We are devastated. This has been extremely traumatic for both of us, especially Ashley.
She underwent the procedure earlier this week and is on the mend. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, but emotionally we are drained.
Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome, is caused by an extra chromosome. It is caused by an error in cell division, like a glitch. The odds of a baby having it is 1 in 1000.
When I first confronted this news, I was shocked but optimistic. If they’re a little slow intellectually, then we’ll make it work. I signed on to be a parent, come what may…but I just didn’t fully understand what Down Syndrome entailed.
Once we made it public, it became clear that MOST people don’t know what Down Syndrome entails (and no, it’s not the same as Autism):
50% of babies with DS have heart defects. 75% will have hearing challenges. Over 50% will have vision problems. Impaired immune function, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, delayed physical development, poor muscle tone, structural issues with face, decreased lifespan, etc…Sadly, the list is long, feel free to look it up…Down Syndome isn’t a “blessing”, it is objectively shitty from a health perspective.
I didn’t realize just how rough it is for the child, let alone the family…more often than not, they would be fully dependent on others for the rest of their life.
The miscarriage risk is also close to 50%, which made matters worse…they may never see the light of day and it puts Ashley further at risk.
We spoke with doctors, friends, family and genetic counselors and learned that up to 90% of women terminate their pregnancy after learning the baby has Trisomy 21.
This was WAY higher than I expected, I thought it would be lower given that I hear so many say they kept or would keep the baby. I believe that’s because most terminations happen privately, it feels shameful. A lot of judgment being cast.
You never think you’d be in this type of situation until it happens to you and then things change.
To all of my fans who have weighed in on this topic who have Autism, Down Syndrome or any other conditions…we appreciate you. You matter a lot and we’re glad you’re here. I commend you and your families for having the strength and courage to push forward.
As for us, we made a difficult decision that we believe in the long-run will be beneficial for our family. Thankfully, we had a choice.
It will take a little time to move on, but we are excited to try again in the future and hopefully have a better outcome.
Love you guys & thank you for understanding. ❤️
This adoptee shares how her birth mother's sacrificial love and adoptive family’s generous approach to open adoption offered a life as beautiful as a fairy tale.
https://t.co/c8VpSEHfSu
Charity teaches us to love like Christ, and this is the kind of love that motherhood requires, for without it, children hurt and families weaken.
https://t.co/X1J6CNxxBy
Team Iron Will Fam,
👇This is a huge opportunity for us!
If you're in a position to do so, please consider giving so we can benefit from this generous matching gift!
https://t.co/0aFsSwmIvY
Thank you!
#TeamIronWill#DownSyndromeAdvocacy#SayYesToPossibility
In vitro fertilization kills more babies per year than abortion. Millions of children have lost their lives so that a few might live. It is an unspeakable tragedy for both the parents and the children.
https://t.co/cyNrAUPTAg
It isn't difficult to understand why more Christian denominations are acquiescing to some forms of preborn child killing. They fail to understand the beauty, gift, and intent of human sexuality.
By not speaking about sexuality, our children will learn in secret or from those not as invested in their lives, to put it mildly. But if we provide proper guidance, we can instill in them a greater sense of respect and morality.
https://t.co/cTI2YZNVlx