Life Before Birth: The Down Syndrome Decision | Real Stories Full- Length Documentary 

my aunt spent 36 years of her life at the state level working with the mentally handicapped. i grew up with 4 of her girls my aunt cling to, their families just stop coming around. so my aunt brought them girls to every social even our family had. Thanksgiving, Christmas. my aunt was selfless, passionate and thought of ever one else. she has since past. but every time i see a sunset i think of her. warm, laid back and beautiful.

I love this documentary. My oldest brother has Down Syndrome, and is smart, funny, sweet, and silly….and I couldn’t imagine life without him in it. ❤️🥰

7:52 "I am a man with Down Syndrome, and my life is worth living"...I broke down in tears when I heard him say that, and I felt so ashamed of myself... I had always thought that if a couple has the chance to know at an early stage that their child would be born with Down Syndrome, that the best would be to terminate the pregnancy, shame on me for my prejudice, based on my total ignorance, I thank those who made this documentary for making me a better person. 39:16 "I was a seed, and now I am a flower", and yes, you all are, thank you for making many of us become gardeners.

I love what the father said about releasing expectations and just loving the person in front of you.

Something all these people with downs have in common is supportive parents and a supportive nurturing environment - it make all the difference, and is wonderful to see. In a country or environment that is poverty stricken, without the resources that are needed, children with disabilities rarely have acceptance or opportunities to grow and shine as they should. How I wish for this environment to be available to all children, differently abled or not. The world would be such a different place.

On 11.03.2012 our little girl Hope was born. She had down syndrome and other health issues. She fought hard but died on 11.11.2012. We miss her terribly and always wonder how exceptional of a human she would be if she were still alive.

I'm a care/support worker in the UK helping adults with down syndrome and I can tell you from my personal experience they are really honest, lovely, funny, positive, and genuinely loving people. I hope my involvement in supporting these people has added in a positive way in their lives because they have all added a positiveness to mine.

I'd not choose to terminate, but I would be terrified of whom would provide the care and love the child would need after I have passed on.

Having a child is solely parents'decision. Raising and caring for a special child is tough. Can't sugar coat that.

Not everyone has the money or the heart to give this much care to the child with disability.

My good friend Molly has Ds. This father is so so so right about their emotional superiority. One time I was SILENTLY crying in the other room. Molly had loud music playing there is no way she heard me. She knew, intuitively even in a 6th sense sort of way that something was wrong and came bursting into the room to hug and console me.

"Women should have the right to bodily autonomy" and "people with disabilities have inherent worth as human beings" are not mutually exclusive ideas. Both, we can have both.

The young man in the yellow shirt blew me away. So articulate, so smart.I have so much respect for that young man.

I was offered the test when pregnant with my two but I told them it didn’t matter wether my child would have Down syndrome because I would love them and be the best mum I can regardless. My two daughters didn’t have downs. But I wouldn’t of loved them any less if they had. I’ve worked with young adults with down syndrome nearly all of my adult life. And they bring so much joy to your day

I’m so glad I watch this documentary, what a beautiful and respectful way to show love for people with down syndrome. I have the upmost respect and gratitude to the families who shared their lives in this story! I found this the most beautiful , enlightening and positive story which touch my heart and I will never forget watching it! Thank you for making this, I’m In ore of each and every one of you! ❤️🙏🤩

Omg Frank Stephens is just staggeringly brilliant ! What a wonderful spokesperson for disability, not simply for Downs, but for all people everywhere who are challenged by the worlds perception of those of us who are a little bit “special” 💜💜💜

I feel no malice against people who abort a child knowing that they aren’t ready to look after a child with some form of mental or physical Illness. Because some people aren’t. But me personally I would never do that. Even more so after this beautiful doc

I have a sister with down syndrome. I have been taking care of her on my own for about 6 years. I have 7 other sisters who "check-in" every once in a while. It does get overwhelming sometimes but it's all worth it. I just chose to be content in every circumstance. Im trying my best all the while I also have 2 kids of my own. A 16-year-old and a 7-year-old. My sister is 34 and im 37 so we are a little close in age. I postpone going to school. I just want her to be comfortable and have a fulfilling life.💛💛

growing up with having my mom's sister suffering from the same condition it's amazing for me to see these people with down syndrome living their lives almost normally... she's now 50y old and can only say a few words and completely depends on the care of those around her.. she can't walk properly, she can't go to toilet on her own and can only say a specific single words when she needs something... seeing these people really opens up my eyes as to how sad her life actually is and how far she could have gone if only she received the proper care...

This is a complicated issue but I'm going to put it like this: "Hey, that fetus is going to have a disability, you HAVE to abort, sorry" and "Hey, I know you were going to abort but that fetus is going to have a disability so now you HAVE to carry it to term" are both morally wrong. It should always be the woman's choice. Always.

That was such a beautiful story. It brought tears of sadness and joy. We have to learn to see beyond what we see and always look for potential in what we perceived to be different. They are the most loving individual. Please continue to make videos like this one. Thank you so much.

I worked with the mentally challenged for over 50 years. What beautiful souls they have. Thanks for posting this. It was like going to a family reunion.

My first cousin has down syndrome and she is loving and kind. She told me she's unhappy because she wants to be treated like an adult. She longs to get married, have kids, and live independently. Unfortunately, her parents make her stay home alone all day and she is lonely. It seemed like she was so happy until she graduated from high school. I feel so bad for her sometimes because she wants to do so much more, but can't becuase of her over protective parents. I honestly think she would like living in a group home with others like her instead of staying home all day alone :/.

Wonderfully presented, very educational documentary. Should be shown in all schools really.

Very interesting and informative documentary. There's a lesson there, which is see the ability rather than the disability.

Thank you for this beautiful documentary. These young people are a gift to us all.

Life is full of tough choices and harsh, downright cruel realities. The reality is that most people with Down syndrome are not self sufficient and it isn’t a blessing. To say so is beyond patronizing. It’s cruel.

A most positive and uplifting documentary. That was inspiring to watch. ThAnkh you for sharing. x

My best friends older brother Bubba (Josh) had downs and I'm thankful everyday that I got to be in his life, especially as a teenager. They have SO MUCH LOVE TO GIVE AND HAVE THE BIGGEST HEARTS YOU COULD EVEN IMAGINE!! sadly he passed away last year. But I know I've thing, he was LOVED by EVERYONE!!

This documentary has no nuance. I've been a disability support worker for six years & the decision to get one of these tests & perhaps abort is a decision that a single person will make based on about 50 variables. It's also about the parents, it's (sorry to put it bluntly) not just about the foetus. Until society had enough systems in place which will lovingly raise unwanted disabled children, or children whose parents couldn't look after them, not all lives are worth living let me tell you. Being a 43 year old man in poverty with down syndrome who's parents have passed away and you're forced into a communal residence where you get 100 different support workers coming through every year & you're on antidepressants and have stopped talking because there's no point...it's a hard and heartbreaking life. This doco is so very one-sided and it's an important side, but not the only important side. All the people in this doco are privileged & talking from a privileged perspective.

The intro alone is so powerful! Great documentary.

these children are so amazing ... did the older doctors not even bother to even talk to them to see how bright they were before they decided they were no good??!

Beautiful documentary. Mr Stephens is such an inspiring speaker. 🌷

I worked with DS young people (Social Worker) and I loved every moment of it. So much so I fostered many of them. Good luck to you all, and your very special children.

The chopping skills at 41:53 are much better than most people I know!

Thank you so much for this documentary. I enjoyed watching it very much, and it was a good learning opportunity.

This is one of the most moving documentaries that I have watched in my life. I experience something that I had not experienced before.

Me and my husband wanted another baby. I'm 40. I knew if the child had downs syndrome i couldn't abort. I also knew i wouldn't want to put the burden of his/her care on my other daughters shoulders after we've passed away. In the end we chose to not have anymore children. Which is a choice I'm now very happy with.

This doc was so amazingly put together and was really sad 😔 when it was at the end! Yes… Our past society's remedies for any & everything different was to hide it, just lock it away. (Out of sight meant out mind ) So grateful that awareness now is unlocking the knowledge by knowing: all lives are meant to be different, and worthy of a life!

Such an amazing headmaster ❤️💕 wish every country had more headmasters like him in schools ❤️

I am a senior citizen of 68 years, and have a son that has Autism, with some behavioral problems. That was born in 1980. Has always been home with me. This u-tube hits home on so many levels. Yes, life has had it up and downs. He has taught me more than, me him. Yes, you go thur a head trip at first, what did I do differently, when I was pregnant with other children? I had a friend, tell me this: he has the same ABC BLOCK'S as very body else, just arranged differently. Will never forget this it made all the differences, between getting over the guilt trip. It would be very lonely, without him, and keeps me going, to keep moving as long as I can. My advice, when measuring achievements, of special needs children, be prepared it to take years not months sometimes. Be patient. All my love 💓 to person in this situation, or will be in future.

I love the story of the little boy at the cross walk ❤️ gorgeous Frank, you are a legend 💪🏻 Shoko works very hard for her mother's love. When her mother said she prayed for her disability to go away ,Shoko hung her head in shame🥺 How pitiful she made her feel,mean. "Some people think I have something missing,they're wrong, I have something more". -India Russell 😲 , Powerful! Clincher:it's not the kids,it's the parents.

This was touching and helped me have a better understanding of DS.

My sister was born with Down s and it was wonderful seeing this documentary. I loved her very much and she was full of beauty. Thanks for this xx

Thank you 💗 for this, simplicity is the most beautiful and sincere form .... sincerity is the most simple and beautiful form... beauty is the most sincere and simple form.....to express our love .

What an amazing family! 💕God bless them all.

Parents should not be forced to care for a child they don’t feel comfortable caring for. All children including those with Down syndrome should be born to parents that love them no matter what. Making people have children they don’t want, will result in the child be unwanted and unloved. I rather adopt a special needs child than have one. That way I could prepare myself for the challenges ahead without any thing being a surprise or another financial burden. Like hats off to all the parents who kept their pregnancies but others who can’t or didn’t, they shouldn’t be judged due to their individual circumstances. It’s very insensitive and lacks any empathetic perspective.

My DS daughter is 18 this year. I was a single parent till recently.

Beautiful program. The world needs more love.

I have to say I used to work with downs ranging in age from babies to young adults.and I want to say best job I’ve ever done amazing people so brilliant,kind,gentle,I think that they are what we are all meant to be in the character aspect?they are so full of love that I for one say that they should stop the testing for downs for them being born with it should not be a reason for termination!they are more human than you and me!amazing documentary and about time people are educated about downs!here’s too all the amazing kids I’ve had the privilege to meet and know!thankyou you beautiful people!

Dad: So many positive things about Down.. Mentions 2 lame reasons, cant even come up with a third 🤦🏽‍♀️

Such a beautiful and enlightening program. Thank you so much for this.

I was a healthy baby I did not start having health problems till I was in my early 20s. I have carers. We never know what's around the corner

Wonderful documentary

This was so good I love it what a great story about all the beautiful people

Brilliant documentary

One of my best friends didn't find out till her daughter was born that she had not only downs but leukemia she beat cancers buttt!!! Strongest little girl I nooo she is 4 now and I'm so blessed to be part of her life!!! She brings a smile to anyone having a rough day face and she is just the happiest kiddo on the planet! Downs doesn't put her down one bit and we are all blessed to have her in our life 💜

This was inspiring!

Marcus Gunn, the Headmaster; is a great man. Truly truly great man. Not many people are capable of doing what he has done. A deeply compassionate and courageous man. ❤️❤️❤️🔥❤️❤️❤️

Powerful and thoughtfull video. Thank you.

Great documentary. I hope children with other syndromes than Down, with the same capability, abilities and happiness can also join regularly schools.

What beautiful stories! Thank you.

I used to work in a club and we celebrated st peters day, which involved spending a day with downs. people with downs are the most beautiful, friendliest, gentliest, people in the world.

Loved this

Such amazing, beautiful people.

In reading some of the comments I do understand that everyone has a right to make their own decisions. But.....as a Mother, I have enjoyed every birth of my children and enjoy everything that each of them have to offer this world ❤️

That was nice and kind of him to try and learn about Down syndrome and to help the little girl that is awesome and brilliant may the Lord bless him for that and his family

Fascinating documentary. I have heard of down syndrome and seen a few people who were born with it but I never really understood anything about it. It's heart warming to hear how some people with downs, are even able to live on their own. May God bless them in Jesus' Holy name

The one guy talking with the glasses and blue shirt kept making me think of the gattaca movie tbh

these are the greatest gifts

Doctors said my son would never walk or talk and may not eat and breathe on his own. Even at 24 weeks when they found out he had the syndrome he has they recommended aborting him. Y’all, my son is 2 and he’s LITERALLY perfect. Even more advanced in speech than my other kids were at his age and he walks, runs, jumps, flips. He’s a normal 2 year old boy besides a shunt in his brain. I’m pregnant again and I chose to get all the prenatal and genetic testing they offered. not to abort if something is wrong, but to be mentally and monetarily ready if the baby were to have a disability.

Beautiful ALL of them , just BEAUTIFUL ! 💞🥰💞

I have a Down syndrome brother abd he is full of love he is never angry always ready for a hug. He is able to even fall In love , it’s so beautiful no sinister ideas he is now in his 50s and recently had some glasses he was so happy.

I would abort, yes. I have autism, and that was seemingly already too much for my parents to handle, and I'm still dealing with the consequences I had to suffer, zero fault of my own. Fact is, not everyone can and would care for a severely disabled, and thus demanding, child. It is not evil that the parent/s choose to abort, and it is not the fault of the child, should it be born, that they have that condition. Everyone deserves to be loved and cared for, but it is a bigger mercy, I think, to abort a severely handicapped fetus, if it is caught in time for abortion. I have the mental faculties to process my condition, the issues that it gives me, just in terms of living life with some normalcy, and on top of that handle all the trauma that was inflicted. I mean absolutely no offense when I say that I don't think most downs people can fully comprehends such things, and they therefore require *a lot* of care and resources from other people to live their happy lives, especially when they're children. Every born child deserves happiness and love, if they cannot have that, I think it better they not be born. Downs children just need that much more. It's the pregnant woman (or person with a uterus) who has the sovereign choice if she wishes to abort or assume care of such a child. Nobody elses.

Wonderful video , wonderful love between great human beings ! Does anybody know the title and author of the sublime music at the end?

My 7 month old grandson has down syndrome but he is the sweetest funniest little boy. When my daughter found out that her baby had down syndrome she was not sure what to do. The midwife and nurses right away started trying to talk my daughter into getting an abortion. At 6 months. My daughter and son in law were not sure what quality of life the baby would have. I started bombarding them with everything I could find about children with down syndrome. Today my daughter calls my grandson her homie with an extra chromie. I'm relieved that she didn't listen to those people who should have tried to help educate her.

My daughter has cerebellar hyperplasia. At 24 weeks we were told horrific things. Some true but most just terrorizing speculation by the professionals. We were pushed to abort and when we didn't they had 24 people in the room during delivery acting like we were birthing a tragedy. ( or that's how i felt) she came out gorgeous! She is an unbelievable gift and though she cant walk well at three she fights hard stumbling around with so much spirit and sass! Before her birth i couldn't even find children with the condition on the internet and most doctors just played guessing games. I wish i would have known how perfect she'd be for all of us. What a light she is especially because things are so simple with her. Happy is happy and mad is mad and love is her everything! Though kali has a different condition there's lots of similarities and every life has meaning! So so grateful i was brave enough to know she was a gift from God No matter what a brain scan says!💪🙌❤

i love this!

WELL SAID FRANK STEPHENS

The one little girl knows 3 languages! English, Spanish, & Sign! Definitely smarter than I am!! & I can't even draw a decent stick man!

LOVELY THANK YOU

to say he had decided that they would not have any expectations (of the down child) freed them to just love... well that somehow bothered me. she's not a puppy! turns out the school staff opened her parents eyes to their child's potential. that school is wonderful.

Happy st. Patrick Day and good luck today and wish you the best. You got this and enjoy your day with luck and happiness you guys deserve it 💚💚💚

My tio,or uncle Ruben, was down syndrome and I knew others, and of course they are slower, but so loving, caring, forgiving, and smart, able to function,I can go on, I wish I had a job, being surrounded by them and I mean that, makes you appreciate things and life so much more, God bless every one of them, in JESUS name Amen 🙏

They are so sweet and amazing

That father superior being , love that , not capable of hate , raises , could never want to hurt anyone , their a true gift from our Lord !

Grade six auditorium: "DuhhhhhHHH!"

Beautiful

They're so lovely 💕

BEAUTIFUL HISTORY THANKS REAL HISTORY I LOVED

We love you Frank!

Frank I think your the most Handsome man and very smart ! ❤️🙏🇨🇦

humaintys quirks is a wonderful thing.. love to see people embrace it instead of discouraging it. some of the most genearous heartwarming people may not have been born because of selective dna testing. i would love to meet all these people more than almost every streamer, influencer these days

my frice nick has drown syndrom but he lives a nomonal life and i love him very much we are getting meried in sept and i have cp

Only problem is that they can’t get a well paying job !

I was born with hypothyroidism 1976 in England I was the third baby with it . I was supposed to be grown up in an institution but now I’m a mom of 2 and married they thought I was going to be blind or deaf dwarf ,I’m 5’6 doctors can be wrong.

Rosio is such a cute kid

.....I love this channel

Would love to know the name of the young lady who writes poetry and hear more. "People think there's something I'm missing. I have something more."

so handsome :) i love children with downs they are so gentle and sweet