March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day.
This year, as we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, we want to champion individuals with Down syndrome and highlight their incredible achievements, as well as the impact they have on others.
On our radio program, Straight Talk on Life Issues, we interviewed Gabriel Cobb, his parents, Tom and Lori Cobb, as well as Andrew Daub. Gabriel is an inspirational 24-year-old motivational speaker with Down syndrome who has advocated at the United Nations, his state capitol, and throughout the United States. He is an exceptional athlete and has completed multiple unmodified triathlon races.
Gabe’s mother, Lori, told us during our interview that other athletes have come to her and said, “You’re Gabe’s mom? He has been such an inspiration to me!” Most mothers, no doubt, dream of seeing their son or daughter be such an encouragement and example to those around them. For Lori, that is a reality every day!
Andrew told us stories of Gabe’s participation in the American Rangers and the final rite of passage known as the gauntlet, a grueling 24-hour perseverance task that finishes with a many-mile-long ruck march. Despite his low muscle tone, Gabe not only finished the ruck march, but he was singing songs the whole time and encouraging the men around him, helping them to do their very best and finish strong.
Andrew Daub’s young son, William, has Down syndrome. His life inspired Andrew to start Team Iron Will, an organization which honors and defends those with Down syndrome.
Team Iron Will launched their Champions of Possibility advocacy program, and Gabe is their first representative. They also spearheaded their Down syndrome medical advocacy project, building a network of doctors with knowledge of and a passion for respecting the personhood of those with Down syndrome. Through Will’s influence on their lives, they have created programs and networks that have forever changed the lives of other families for the better.
Will and Gabe have inspired those around them to be their best and help others. Every day, their influence and impact continue to change lives.
Those with Down syndrome have been systematically targeted and killed through abortion. Countries like Iceland and Denmark have a nearly 100% abortion rate for children that have been diagnosed with Down syndrome in the womb.
As we champion individuals with Down syndrome, it is important that we remember they do not have a right to life because of their amazing success in life. These individuals whom we have highlighted today have accomplished more than many people could in three lifetimes. That does not mean that those who have accomplished less on paper are worth less as humans or forfeit their right to life.
As I have said many times before, and will say many times in the future, we do not have a right to life because of what we can do, how smart we are, how tall we are, or any other factor. We have a right to life because of what we are.
Every life is precious. This includes those who have Down syndrome.
In Defense of Life,
Victor Nieves
President, Life Issues Institute
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