Wanted: Not Dead, But Alive

   As a former police officer I have always been fascinated by “Wanted Dead or Alive” posters that sought to track down dangerous villains who had committed heinous crimes. Many of these criminals had committed murder and were considered armed and dangerous. The lawmen who pursued these violent offenders were very brave and on occasion had to use deadly force to subdue the lawbreakers so that the public could be safe and justice could be served.

   Currently there is a group of human beings who receive death sentences for the “crime” of being identified prenatally with a Down syndrome diagnosis.

   These remarkable individuals are wholly innocent and have hurt nobody. Yet as many as 90% are convicted without a trial.

   What is the faulty “evidence” that results in a death sentence? That individuals with Down syndrome are a “burden.”  Truth is, studies show that almost 100% of families -- parents and siblings -- love their children with Down syndrome and are proud of them.

   Likewise when asked, 99% of people with Down syndrome, ages 12 and older, indicated that they were happy with their lives, 97% liked who they were, and 96% liked how they looked.

This lethal prenatal discrimination represents a total miscarriage of justice. Once a death verdict is rendered there is no chance for an appeal, commut ...