The idea of aborting children just because they have Down syndrome is spreading.

Why?

The National Review reports that 85 percent of women in Iceland experience prenatal testing and almost 100 percent abort their child if diagnosed with Down syndrome. Only two children with Down syndrome are born every year in Iceland. In Europe, 92 percent of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. In the United States it falls to around 67 percent.

According to National Review, a video was banned in France that dealt with children with Down syndrome explaining their happiness. The French government said it would upset mothers who made the decision to abort.

Why isn’t anyone telling expectant mothers how people with Down syndrome will have jobs? Why isn’t anyone telling them that they will enjoy a rich social life? Why isn’t anyone telling them about the love they bring?

My parents had a decision to make when their genetic counselor called.

“Your baby has trisomy 21, what do you want to do?” she said.

My Mom opposed abortion from the beginning but asked questions anyway. She reached out to her to her OB-GYN who explained the abortion process and what to expect. Ultimately, my Mom convinced herself to keep the baby.

I am thankful for my little sister. She sharpens my quality of life. She fills it with sass and laughter, and makes it beautiful just by being in it.

People should not abort children just because they have Down syndrome. If my Mom had aborted solely for that reason, my family would not experience the life-changing impact of my little sister. We are more accepting. We are more empathetic. We are more loving.

To imagine a life without my little sister is a life with less quality. With fewer possibilities. With less love.

Don’t kill love.