I would and have wondered about the risks of a woman in her forties having a child. Though I am childless, I chose not even to ask. It was my understanding that there are a lot of hazards. Down is one of them.

Some of you seem to be saying it is preferable to have Down syndrome children because they are so much more loving. Do you really believe that? Was I so wrong about Down Syndrome? I understood it was a genetic defect often manifested in developmental delays and congenital disease. Was I really so mistaken?

I understand that one can and should love one's children unconditionally. What I am trying to understand is taking risks in having them.

I understand Joe's point. He doesn't think one in forty is much of a risk, and Megan and Kat have made the points that show me that the consequences today are much less dire than they were when I learned about the condition. So certainly I am much less alarmed than I was.

I was making no political point and I said so. I was asking for information. I'd love it if some of you very informed people would tell me more. I'd appreciate it though, if the name calling and mischaracterization of my words were left out of it.