“This child wasn’t normal so we discarded of it and will try again in the future for one that is. We selfishly did not want the responsibility of raising a kid with down syndrome so this is the decision we have made because it’s what is best for us.”
^— basically what he said
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. ❤️
@Built4MorePod it’s time to get @DerwinLGray on the pod! Many years ago one of my brothers in Christ gave me Pastor Derwin’s book “Hero” and his story certainly played a role in my conversion! Would love to hear you guys talk ball, Pastor Derwin’s journey and Jesus!
“Men desperately want peace, but the peace of God is not absence from tension or turmoil, but peace in the midst of tension and turmoil.” —Billy Graham
NEW YORK WENT ON A 44-11 RUN TO COMPLETE A 22-POINT COMEBACK WIN IN GAME 1 💨
DOWN 22 WITH UNDER 8 TO PLAY IN Q4.
30-8 RUN TO FORCE OT.
WON BY 11.
1-0 SERIES LEAD IN THE EAST FINALS 🍿
@dalepartridge Basically you’re saying it would have been better for him to shut her down, tell her to keep cooking & raising kids at the house while he continued on his career path? The name of Jesus was professed on national tv MULTIPLE times with her talent and this is your take? Dumb.
@Ernest1588761 Have you ever asked your kid, ‘what did you just do?’ When you’re perfectly aware of what they just did?
Take all your time to think about it.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23
Give everything. Every time
Not because someone is watching.
Not because you'll get credit for it.
Not because it feels significant.
But because how you work is how you worship.