News
Featured Image
  Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 3, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – On Sunday, President Trump affirmed the “inherent dignity” of people with Down syndrome and decried the “tragically misguided” sentiment that underlies anti-life attitudes toward them.

Trump said this and articulated other pro-life principles in his statement for Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

He condemned discrimination against people with Down syndrome and praised “the family members, caregivers, medical professionals, and advocates who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that these extraordinary people enjoy lives filled with love and increasing opportunity.”

“This month, we renew our Nation’s strong commitment to promoting the health, well-being, and inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down syndrome,” he said.

Trump promised to “further empower those with Down syndrome to pursue the American Dream of independence, pride in work, and full participation in civil society” through “sustained advancements in education, research, and advocacy.”

“We will also continue to increase public awareness regarding the true nature of this condition, and to dispel the stubborn myths about the degree to which it is disabling,” he said.

“Sadly, there remain too many people – both in the United States and throughout the world – that still see Down syndrome as an excuse to ignore or discard human life. This sentiment is and will always be tragically misguided,” he continued.

In the U.S., the vast majority of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome prenatally are aborted. In Iceland, that number is nearly at 100 percent. Other Western countries have similarly staggering rates of Down syndrome abortions.

“We must always be vigilant in defending and promoting the unique and special gifts of all citizens in need,” Trump concluded. “We should not tolerate any discrimination against them, as all people have inherent dignity … we will always endeavor to make sure that their precious gifts are never maligned or taken for granted.”