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r Southern Cross, Page 2 Headline Hopscotch Thursday, August 312017 Report: Iceland population of people with Down syndrome ‘disappearing’ By Josephine von Dohlen WASHINGTON (CNS) celand is on its way to “eliminate” people with Down syndrome, a report from CBS News explained, causing uproar in the pro-life commu nity over the high numbers of abor tions following prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. With only one or two people, on average, bom with Down syndrome each year, Iceland’s population exem plifies what pro-life leaders say is the tragic reality of an abortion-driven society. CBS news correspondent Elaine Quijano spoke with Icelandic genet icist Kari Stefansson, the founder of a genetic group named deCODE Genetics, which looks at the people of Iceland’s genomes. He told Quijano, “We have basically eradicated, almost, Down syndrome from our society.” After being asked what it means for Iceland as a “society” that near ly all women choose abortion after Down syndrome diagnosis, Stefansson responded that it is a result of genetic counseling. “And I don’t think that heavy-hand ed genetic counseling is desirable,” Stefansson told CBS. “You’re having impact on decisions that are not medi cal, in a way.” The head of the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit and Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland, Hulda Hjartardottir, said in her interview with Quijano that by suggesting women get tested for genetic abnormalities, like Down syndrome, they could be direct ing people toward abortion. “We try to do as neutral counseling as possible, but some people would say that just offering the test is point ing you towards a certain direction,” Hjartardottir told CBS. With the spread of these diagnostic tests in Iceland, as well as the increase in accuracy since their introduction in the early 2000s, nearly 100 percent of women in Iceland choose abortion fol lowing a positive prenatal testing for Down syndrome. In the United States, more than 67 percent of women who are told that their unborn child may have Down syndrome choose an abortion, with some organizations reporting a higher number, 85 to 90 percent. However, states are starting to enact laws that prohibit abortions due to genetic abnormalities, race, sex, or ethnicity. In 2013, North Dakota banned abortion due to fetal genetic anomaly and since then, other states such as Louisiana have passed similar laws, with more states trying to do so. Through a social media campaign, the March for Life organization is asking CBS to “air a segment about the happiness and benefits Down syndrome children bring to families,” according to a tweet by March for Life president Jeanne Mancini Aug. 15. In an interview with Catholic News Service Aug. 16, Mancini said that while the CBS story said that Iceland is “eliminating” people with Down syndrome, it is far worse. “We would say that they are eradi cating people with Down syndrome,” Mancini said. Mancini pointed out that while approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population is aborted, the num ber of people with Down syndrome who are aborted is frighteningly disproportionate. “Studies have shown that between 85 and 90 percent, depending on which reports you use, of these special little ones who are diagnosed with Down syndrome are terminated,” Mancini said. “We are moving in the direction of Iceland.” Emmy award-winning actress Patricia Heaton tweeted Aug. 14 in response to the CBS report: “Iceland isn’t actually eliminating Down syn drome. They’re just killing everybody that has it. Big difference.” A 2011 Harvard study by Brian , Skotko, Susan Levine and Richard Goldstein examined the self-perception of people with Down syndrome ages 12 and up. Among the 284 people surveyed, 99 percent of people with Down syndrome were “happy with their lives,” 97 percent “liked who they are” and 96 percent “liked how they look.” Ultimately, the study concluded, “the overwhelming majority of people with Down syndrome surveyed indicate they live happy and fulfilling lives.” While many women may feel pres sured to choose abortion following a diagnosis of Down syndrome, groups such as the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network guide expectant mothers through the parenting process as well as offer resources to those who choose to place their child in an adop tion program. “There are so many people who want to adopt children with Down syndrome,” Stephanie Thompson, director at the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network, told CNS in an interview Aug. 16. Thompson, who is the birth moth er of a child with Down syndrome, offers counseling to families who receive prenatal diagnoses, offering them updated, positive information to parenting. On average, about 50 families sit on the registry at the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network just waiting to adopt. “It is incredible to me that a coun try is terminating a life that people are praying for, that they want to include in their family, they want to take care of, and they value so much,” Thompson said. “They went through a home study process, finger prints, background checks. They had people coming in and inspecting their home and it took three months and thousands of dollars to do this.” While the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network current ly only offers adoptions within the U.S., Thompson is positive that there are families in countries around the world who are waiting to adopt chil dren with Down syndrome as well. “If there was a program like ours in every country, I can just see that termination rates would drop,” Thompson said. Diocese Of Savannah Clergy Announcement Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah, has ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS. Reverend Peter Ovenugba. MSP: On presentation by the Very Reverend George N. Okeahialam, MSP, Regional S uperior of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, North American Region, has been appointed as pastor of Our Divine Saviour Church, Tifton, and its mission of St. Ann Church, Alapaha, Georgia, effective September 1,2017. Reverend Gordian Iwuii. MSP: On presentation by the Very Reverend George N. Okeahialam, MSP, Regional Superior of the Missionary Society of St. Paul, North American Region, has been appointed as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Swainsboro, and its mission of Holy Family Church, Metter, Georgia, effective September 1, 2017. Reverend Mike Kerin. GHM: On presentation by the Very Reverend Chet Artysiewicz, President of the Glenmary Home Missioners, has been appointed as pas tor of Holy Family Church, Blakely, and its mission of St. Luke Church, Cuthbert, GA, effective September 30, 2017. Very Reverend Jeremiah J. McCarthy has been reappointed Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Columbus Deanery, effective September 1, 2017, through August 31,2020. Very Reverend J. Gerard Schreck has been reap pointed Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Savannah Deanery, effective September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2020._ Very Reverend Timothy P. McKeown has been appointed Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Valdosta/ Brunswick Deanery, effective September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2020. Southern Cross (USPS 505-680) is published bi-weekly, 26 issues per year, by Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer 2170 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA 31404. Periodicals Postage Paid at Savannah, GA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Cross, 2170 East Victory Drive, Savannah GA 31404. Publisher: Most Rev. Gregory J. Hartmayer, ofm conv., dd Director of Communications: Barbara D. King Videography/Production: Timothy L. Williams Editor: Michael J. Johnson Assistant to the Editor: Jessica L. 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