This is a courageous thing to do not only for your self but for the potential baby.
No child deserves to be brought into this world to suffer from debilitating diseases and sicknesses when the birth could have been prevented.
Well done & I pray your next is a healthy one.
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. ❤️
@issablkceo Engaging in a back and forth with you when some good men & women have countered your point and you even doubled down is a waste of my precious time.
Since you're a stubborn goat, and have refused to heed to continue to bask in ignorance, beloved.
"Black AF music" and it's music about drug dealing. Rappers rap about their life but to use that as an argument in the current convo? Don't you see how that plays into the stereotype about black ppl in America?
I mean - I’ll just say what no one else will. Drake has more non-black fans than Jay, which increases Drake’s numbers. Look at who you see the most in his crowds. Drake makes them “comfortable”. He appeals to them. He makes music for them [too].
Jay is more than likely “too black” for their taste. They can’t relate to literally anything off the strength of the first requirements being missing to appreciate his music….being black in America (since birth), being a black MAN in America (since birth), living “that life” in America.
I hope HOV continues to make BLACK AF music.
#TheRootsRemember
Now their other motive is out. Remember earlier this year when there was a protest online and offline about implementing Sharia in Oyo state (or was it Osun state?)
Yea... Let he who who has eyes keep it peeled and pay attention to what is going on in Nigeria.
Now their other motive is out. Remember earlier this year when there was a protest online and offline about implementing Sharia in Oyo state (or was it Osun state?)
Yea... Let he who who has eyes keep it peeled and pay attention to what is going on in Nigeria.
@issablkceo Mate, we're not saying his music is only about drugs, but any person who passed primary school English comprehension can deduce the context of your usage of "Black AF music" in your initial statement especially as your follow up point wae that he (Drake) has more white fans.
@issablkceo Drake holds dual nationality and is an American citizen because he's father is an Black American. Whether you like this info or not is of no consequence to the topic. Facts are what they are facts.
Your dislike doesn't change his lineage. He's a black as they come.