What's with All the IDSC for Life Photos on Facebook?

It is pretty likely that you have seen a photo like this...

Photo used with permission from IDSC for Life

or this...

Photo used with permission from IDSC for Life

or this...

Photo used with permission from IDSC for Life

being shared on Facebook. I hope that you've seen them. I hope that you've shared them. These messages are coming from an organization called the International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life. Their tagline is "All life is precious." As you know, expecting mothers can have tests done to determine if they are carrying a child with Down syndrome, and there are alarming termination rates. Not only are parents making this choice on their own, some doctors are pressuring them to do so. IDSC's purpose is to "direct families to accurate and up-to-date information about Down syndrome."

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Why is there an IDSC for Life?  (taken from the IDSC for Life website)

We are parents, grandparents, and loved ones of individuals who happen to have Down syndrome, standing alongside members who are self advocates.

Some of us were informed that our child had Down syndrome while we were expecting. Following that diagnosis, quite a few of us were pressured to abort our child. In spite of that pressure, thankfully, we went on to have our children.

Yet, there are a good number of us who were given encouragement by wonderful physicians, counselors, and other professionals. We were handed up to date information about Down syndrome when they told us our child’s diagnosis. Now, we want that same quality and caring experience for every family.

Along the way, we have also been contacted by those who lost their child to the pressure, to end their pregnancy. Many report they were given out of date information. Sadly, this happens when families are most vulnerable. The IDSC grieves for and with these families. They stand with us, on behalf, and in honor of their child, telling the world that every life is precious.

We are here to lend support and encouragement to families who are new to the diagnosis of Down syndrome.

We are here to share the adoption option with those who do not think they can raise a child with Down syndrome.

And we are here, for the individuals who happen to have Down syndrome, who are part of our coalition, and are proud to say every life is precious!

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Last year, IDSC put together this amazing video for World Down Syndrome Day.


Right now, they are running a photo campaign on Facebook. That is where these beautiful photos with meaningful quotes are coming from. My favorite photo in the campaign happens to be this one of our sweet boy...

I had the pleasure of speaking on the phone with Diane Grover, who started IDSC for Life. I wanted to find out more about it. She was surprised that no advocacy groups were addressing the issue of women being pressured to abort for a Down syndrome diagnosis and the effects it had on the women. She asked other moms to join her in her efforts. Many women who have aborted for Down syndrome have contacted IDSC and said that they were scared, did not have up to date information, and were also pressured by someone. Not always doctors. Sometimes loved ones. Even fathers have contacted Diane, to say that they were the ones who did not want to end the pregnancy. On behalf of their child, they advocate along side with IDSC. So there was a need, and IDSC is filling that need.

Diane also said, "The IDSC was first a very small group of moms. From all over the world. From all walks of life. All of us wanting the world to know that this was happening right under all of our noses and wanting the world to hear us. It is unique to have people from both pro life/ pro choice groups standing together, all believing that Down syndrome is not a reason to encourage someone to end a pregnancy."

Diane's most rewarding experience is feeling spirit of the organization. Each and every person who comes along, advocating on behalf of their loved one touches her deeply. Diane says, "We have SO many stories to tell. Not one could top another. We are so proud of every person who tells their story and stands with us! We are the train rolling down the tracks for its voice to be heard. It is not about us; it is about them! It is about all of us, TOGETHER, being heard!"

Check out IDSC for Life's website by clicking here.
You can see all their photos from the Facebook photo campaign here.