[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    SUPPORT THOSE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Down 
Syndrome Awareness Month.
  Down Syndrome occurs when abnormal cell division results in a 
duplicate of chromosome 21. However, those suffering from this disease 
are anything but abnormal, and it is time that they be viewed as valued 
members of our communities.
  Although there is no cure or prevention for Downs, there are still 
nations working to eradicate the disease using the only means available 
to them, through the willful abortion of babies identified as having 
Down Syndrome during prenatal screenings.
  Iceland is an example of a country where almost all women who receive 
a positive test result for Down Syndrome terminate their pregnancies at 
the recommendation of their medical practitioners.
  Those with Down Syndrome can and should be given the opportunity to 
live full lives. They can be educated and employed. They exude joy and 
grace, with the most lovable personalities. Just ask their family and 
friends.
  It is time for the world to stop being complicit in the genocide of 
those with Down Syndrome and to support our friends born with an extra 
chromosome. All life has value.

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