Dear WHO

At Positive about Down syndrome we work hard to address the stigma and discrimination that all too often prevail towards people with Down syndrome, particularly in maternity care.

For too long the language and attitudes have gone unchallenged; but we are challenging the medical language and attitudes that are disrespectful and offensive to those with Down syndrome.  

We urge you to stop defining Down syndrome as 'a birth defect, that can be prevented and treated with access to quality maternal and newborn care. Yet, every year, they cause the deaths of close to 250,000 babies within just 1 month of birth.'
Down syndrome is caused by a difference in someone's genetic make up, it is not a defect nor can it medically be prevented or treated.

At PADS we see the impact of such language in maternity care and beyond - perpetuating stigma, ignorance and discrimination towards those with Down syndrome.  The medical language that any person with a different genetic make up that does not meet the medically defined 'norm' is considered a defect, a disorder or abnormality - and all too often the inference being to be avoided, must change.   

This language all too often results in people with Down syndrome being perceived as inferior, of less value than those without the condition. 

Please take action and confirm Down syndrome is not a birth defect and issue an apology to those who have been offended by your language.

www.positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk