Increase in births with Down syndrome in Norway

from the Foreigner:

The annual rate of children born with the chromosomal condition was 60-80 between 1999 and 2009, whilst it was 40-60 in the ‘80s.

Foetal screening introduced in Scandinavian neighbours Denmark and Sweden has meant numbers of Down’s births are declining.

Norway’s Institute of Public Health believes the increase is due to a higher number of older mothers.

Mette Weitemayer, leader of interest organisation Ups and Downs’ Telemark branch, welcomes the news.

“There is no reason to opt out from having children with Down syndrome. Parents, others who know people with Down’s, and I feel a sadness when hearing it’s possible to opt out [from giving birth to] these types of persons,” she says to NRK.

Glenn and Tonje Borger Clausen tell the broadcaster they have no regrets about having Ludvik, who was the subject of harassment on Facebook because of his condition.

Although they were surprised when first learning their son had Down’s, a proud Mr Clausen declares, “we need diversity in our civilisation. It’s just positive.”