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Although it is widely believed that people with Down syndrome are doomed to a life of suffering, in one large survey 99% of respondents with Down syndrome described themselves as "happy."Shutterstock

Advocates on behalf of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as pro-life leaders, are slamming famed atheist Richard Dawkins’ statements made on Twitter earlier today that parents have a moral responsibility to abort babies diagnosed in utero with Down’s.

During a shocking Twitter rant, Dawkins responded to questioners saying that it was “civilised” to abort Down Syndrome babies, and that it would be “immoral” to choose not to abort babies diagnosed with the condition.

He said that his goal is to “reduce suffering wherever you can,” indicating that unborn children cannot suffer, and that unborn children don't “have human feelings.”

In addition to being scientifically challenged – unborn children can feel both pain and emotions – Dawkins' comments drew criticism for his callousness towards children with disabilities.  

“A true civilization – a civilization of love – does not engage in such cold and ultimately suicidal calculus”

“It's sick and twisted for anyone to advocate for the killing of children with disabilities,” Live Action President Lila Rose told LifeSiteNews. “Dawkins's ignorant comments serve only to further stigmatize people with Down syndrome.

“While many people with Down syndrome, their families, and advocacy groups are fighting discrimination on a daily basis, Dawkins calls for their murder before they are even born,” she said. “Those with Down syndrome are human beings, with innate human dignity, and they, along with the whole human family, deserve our respect and protection.”

Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, told MailOnline that, contrary to Dawkins’ assertion, “People with Down’s syndrome can and do live full and rewarding lives, they also make a valuable contribution to our society.”

A spokesperson for the UK disabilities charity Scope lamented that during the “difficult and confusing time” when parents find out they are expecting a child with disabilities, they often experience “negative attitudes.”

“What parents really need at this time is sensitive and thorough advice and information,” the spokesperson said.

Charlotte Lozier Institute president Chuck Donovan agreed with Rose’s assessment. “Advocates of abortion for those 'weaker' than others, or of less physical or intellectual dexterity, should remember that each of us is 'lesser' in some or most respects,” he said.

According to Donovan, “we deliver a death sentence on all of humanity by such cruel logic.”

“A true civilization – a civilization of love – does not engage in such cold and ultimately suicidal calculus” he said.

One family who has a child with Down syndrome said Dawkins was far from the mark when he suggested that aborting babies with Down syndrome is a good way to eliminate suffering.

Jan Lucas, whose son Kevin has Down syndrome, said that far from suffering, Kevin has brought enormous joy to the family, and “is so loving. He just has a million hugs.”

She described how Kevin was asked to be an honorary deacon at the church they attend in New Jersey, “because he is so encouraging to everyone. At church, he asks people how their families are, says he'll pray for them, and follows up to let them know that he has been praying for them.”

It's not just strangers for whom Kevin prays. “My husband and I were separated for a time, and Kevin kept asking people to pray for his dad,” said Jan. “They didn't believe that Kevin's prayers would be answered. Kevin didn't lose hope, and asking people, and our marriage now is better than ever before. We attribute it to Kevin's prayers, and how he drew on the prayers of everyone.”

“I don't know what we'd do without him,” said Jan.

Speaking with LifeSiteNews, Kevin said that his favorite things to do are “spending time with my family, and keeping God in prayer.” He said that he “always knows God,” which helps him to “always keep praying for my friends.”

“I love my church,” said Kevin.

Although it is widely believed that people with Down syndrome are doomed to a life of suffering, in one large survey , 99% of respondents with Down syndrome described themselves as “happy.” At the same time, 99% percent of parents said they loved their child with Down syndrome, and 97 percent said they were proud of them.

Only 4 percent of parents who responded said they regretted having their child.

Despite this, it is estimated that in many Western countries the abortion rate of children diagnosed in utero with Down syndrome is 90%, or even higher. The development of new and more accurate tests for the condition has raised concerns among Down syndrome advocates that that number could rise even higher.