January 2005   A letter from ThereseAnn - A parent of a Trisomy 13 child TO: Pediatric Physicians, OB-Gynecologists, Geneticists & Healthcare Providers: As the mother of a very happy and wonderful Trisomy 13 child Natalia (age 5 years; cognitive level 1 year, I have something important to tell you: Some of these children do survive if given appropriate medical care. All too often physicians decide that Trisomy 13 children "are not compatible with life." Doctors believe they are doing parents a favor by either encouraging abortion or by telling the parents that the procedures used to keep these children alive cause unnecessary pain and ultimately make no difference. I am saddened every time a mother emails me and tells me of her abortion, every time I hear that the doctors foretold "No hope." Physicians, please inform us--but also encourage those of us who wish to choose life for these precious Angels. Every Trisomy 13 parent I've spoken to has wonderful stories of the time they have had with their child . . . even if it was brief. The parents have and receive abundant love from these special children. When they abort, the parents feel an immense loss long after their physicians are gone. All the living Trisomy 13 children I have come in contact with are well and happy. The first year or two is typically rough, not only because the parents have to adjust to their child's special needs, but also because of the added pressure from physicians who insist that these children aren't going to survive. I'll admit, Trisomy 13 children can be a burden to the medical community, and some may even say to society; but is it right to allow these children to die because we do not want to be bothered? I believe our world would be a better place if we did not eliminate those children who require extra time and attention. Trisomy 13 children have the power to help us become more sensitive and compassionate people. The diagnosis of Trisomy 13 can be overwhelming. It is hard to give up the dream of a healthy, normal child. But abortion is not the easy way out that it appears to be. Please, doctors: fully inform your patients that with some added medical intervention, many Trisomy 13 children live happy lives for several  years. These children are special blessings to all who know them.  Please give parents the opportunity to grow from this unexpected and life-changing experience. Thank you, ThereseAnn Siegle therese@LivingWithTrisomy13.org LIVING WITH TRISOMY 13 - MIRACLES IN PROGRESS (Photos and stories of families living with Trisomy 13) http://LivingWithTrisomy13.org Please feel free to copy or pass this letter on--especially to the physicians in your group who may come in contact with parents of Trisomy 13 children.