Man with Down Syndrome Gives "Riveting, Eloquent" Speech on Capitol Hill: "I Don't Feel I Should Have to Justify My Existence. My LifeIs Worth Living!"

Fr. Mark Hodges : Nov 2, 2017
Lifesitenews.com

Saying that aborting a Down's baby is "as evil as the Third Reich," Frank Stevens added, "We are a medical gift to society. A blueprint for medical research into cancer, Alzheimer's, and immune systems disorders [and] we are an unusually powerful source of happiness. Let's pursue answers, not Final Solutions!"

(Washington, DC)—[Lifesitenews.com] In a riveting and eloquent speech on Capitol Hill, a man with Down syndrome defended his existence. (Photo: Frank Stephens/via LifeSiteNews.com)

Frank Stephens, Quincy Jones Advocate at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, opened a session of the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Education Committee on Appropriations.

"No one knows more about life with Down syndrome than I do," Stephens began the hearing on National Institutes of Health funding. "Whatever you learn today, remember this: I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living!" he exclaimed.

With that declaration, attendees—many of whom have Downs themselves—erupted in applause. 

Stephens then addressed the growing practice of fighting disease by killing patients. "Some people say prenatal screens will identify Down syndrome in the womb and those pregnancies will just be terminated," he said. "It's hard for me to sit here and say those words," he said with emotion.

The actor and Down spokesman associated the common practice of killing pre-borns who are diagnosed as possibly having Down with Nazi genocide. "People pushing that particular ‘Final Solution' are saying that people like me should not exist," Stephens continued. "That view is deeply prejudiced by an outdated idea of life with Down syndrome."

He went on to explain that most folks with Down syndrome, like himself, lead happy and fulfilled lives. "I have a great life. I have lectured at universities, acted in award-winning film and Emmy-winning TV shows, and spoken to thousands of young people about the value of inclusion in making America great," he shared.

"I have been to the White House twice, and I didn't have to jump the fence either time," he joked.

"Seriously, I don't feel I should have to justify my existence," he poignantly concluded.

Stephens referred to Iceland and other countries where health officials brag about eliminating Down, but only by promoting abortion for Down-diagnosed pre-borns. In the United States, the March of Dimes funded and set up early amniocentesis testing centers and promoted early testing. The vast majority of babies who might have a handicap get aborted.

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