Palin's Heroic Choice

Republicans all over the country are extolling vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's qualities and political achievements this week, but to me her most courageous achievement is her youngest son, Trig Paxson Van Palin.

Little Trig, who is now the ripe old age of 4 months, was diagnosed with Down syndrome while he was still in the womb of his mother, the governor of Alaska. Despite the fact that her son was going to be mentally handicapped, Palin never even considered not going through with the birth, counting her new child as a gift from the Lord.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans do not make the same choice. Experts estimate that close to 90 percent of parents who are confronted with an early diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to abort their babies. It's almost like a silent eugenics program going on right here in America.

Obviously the prospect of a mentally handicapped child is daunting, but that doesn't mean the challenges aren't worth the reward. Listen to Palin's words when Trig was born: "Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed."

Let us pray that more parents begin to realize that "every baby is created for good purpose" and follow the example of Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd.