Dear John,

Today is a special day – World Down Syndrome Day.

March 21 is designated as this day because Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome (3/21).

For many who do not know someone with special needs, this day may not hit as close to home. That’s why I wanted to share my story with you and give you a new perspective on the truth about raising a child with Down syndrome.

When my wife, Jill, and I found out that our fourth child was on the way, it was already a challenging time in our lives. While I had spent years practicing law, I was going through a season of questioning what I wanted to do for the rest of my career. And to be completely honest, we weren’t thinking that we would have a fourth child.

But lo and behold, the Lord had other plans for us…

A few weeks after we found out, we received news that would change our lives forever: our child would have Down syndrome.

Take a few minutes to read our story: www.humancoalition.org/raising-a-child-with-down-syndrome

According to the most recently available data, roughly 67% of pregnancies in America where the preborn child is diagnosed with Down syndrome ends in abortion. In France, around 77% of preborn children with Down syndrome are aborted. In Denmark, it’s approximately 98%. And in Iceland, nearly 100% of preborn children with Down syndrome are aborted.

This blatant discrimination against preborn children with Down syndrome is a sobering reflection of how those in our community with special needs are often undervalued and falsely perceived. We have a responsibility to push back and to stand with the Down syndrome community as a fellow voice, friend, and advocate.

Matthew’s life is beautiful and valuable. And where I once feared what life might be like raising a child with Down syndrome, I can’t imagine life without him.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your partnership in defending these precious children. God bless you!

For Life,

Barry Moerschell
General Counsel and Vice President of Compliance

P.S. I hope my personal story of raising a child with Down syndrome will inspire you and bless you! Read my story here: www.humancoalition.org/raising-a-child-with-down-syndrome