Why there are practically no people with Down syndrome in Iceland

In many countries, for example in the UK and the USA, people with Down syndrome are increasingly becoming heroes of positive news, the purpose of which is to show that they can adapt to society. However, the situation is different in Iceland. There are practically no people with this syndrome. The latest study showed that in Iceland, on average, only two children with daunism are born every year. The publication of information about how to solve this problem has caused fierce debates about morality and ethics.

In the Landspítali — the National hospital of Iceland — since the 2000s, there has been a common practice of prenatal screening tests, the conduct of which has become one of the most important steps in identifying fetal development problems, including Down syndrome.

In the United States, 67 percent of women terminate their pregnancies after such a diagnosis. In Iceland, 99 percent of women choose not to give birth if a prenatal test showed the presence of Down syndrome in the fetus. That is why people with this pathology are extremely rare in the country.

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Icelandic geneticist Kari Stefansson said: "As far as I understand, Down syndrome has practically disappeared from our society."

Moreover, the decision in this matter belongs entirely to the mother, there are no forced abortions and "social cleansing" in the country, which Internet users have accused scientists of.

The head of the Department of Prenatal Diagnostics of the Landspítali Hospital said: "We try to consult parents in the most neutral tone. However, some believe that even offering to conduct a prenatal screening test, for some reason we are pushing people in a certain direction."

Despite the disappointing forecasts of doctors for children with Down syndrome and expensive care, many believe that society should help such people that termination of pregnancy is at least unethical and immoral.

In response, Internet users began to share personal stories about family members with Down syndrome. A user under the nickname Guinean wrote: "My brother has Down syndrome. He always liked to hold small children in his arms, but now few people allow him. My wife and I gave him our daughter to hold today. Just look at his eyes and reaction when he was given a baby. He didn't move for five minutes. I almost cried."

"My daughter has Down syndrome. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life. However, when she was born, I thought the worst."

"My aunt has Down syndrome. I love her very much, but she is now 50 years old, and she already has dementia. My 85-year-old grandmother, her mother, still takes care of her. The two of them are like Batman and the Joker, Grandma is trying to establish at least some order in her life, and aunt is the cause of constant chaos in her mother's life. Of course, sometimes it's funny. We, as a family, take care of each other, but I increasingly feel sorry for my grandmother."

"I think that we, as civilized people, are sufficiently developed to take care of the weak and sick. No need to kill them anymore. We can love them."

"During two pregnancies, we did a screening test. And our friends were outraged: "Oh, what will happen if the result is positive." I replied that then I would prepare and read special literature, instead of being surprised when a child with Down syndrome was handed over to me in the hospital.

I don't like it when people think that if you're looking for a disease, then you're definitely against it. I just want to be ready."

"I took care of a mentally ill mother for many years, from the age of 16 to 28. I did everything for her. And incredibly tired. I have neither the desire nor the opportunity to become a nurse again for the rest of my life. I will do a test and, if the result is positive for Down syndrome, I will terminate the pregnancy.

This is my choice, and I do not impose it on anyone."