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Children & Parents Archives - Pause the World for Peace
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/category/love/children-parents/
goodnewsbroadcast.comThu, 13 Aug 2026 16:20:33 +0000en-US
hourly
1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1https://i0.wp.com/pausetheworldforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-BEST-LOGO-1-1024x661-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1Children & Parents Archives - Pause the World for Peace
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/category/love/children-parents/
3232214774194FREEDOM PROGRAM in Queens, thanks to Queens Community House, Joha Joseph Shares the Good News
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/freedom-program-in-queens-thanks-to-queens-community-house-joha-joseph-shares-the-good-news/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/freedom-program-in-queens-thanks-to-queens-community-house-joha-joseph-shares-the-good-news/#respondThu, 13 Aug 2026 12:21:58 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=12507 Listen to “FREEDOM PROGRAM in Queens, thanks to Queens Community House, Joha Joseph Shares the Good News” on Spreaker. At PS 182 Q Magnet School In Queens, young students…
]]> Listen to “FREEDOM PROGRAM in Queens, thanks to Queens Community House, Joha Joseph Shares the Good News” on Spreaker.
At PS 182 Q Magnet School In Queens, young students gather for a Special Freedom Program. We interview our great Joha Joseph. I, Paul was supposed to read THERE WAS A PARTY FOR LANGSTON Book, but my subway ran late, and Joha did it, she is a Super Star. We interview her and the sound behind the interview was recorded at the FREEDOM EVENT…Our Future Generations are in GREAT HANDS with programs, teachers and students like this. Good News was HONORED to be there
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/freedom-program-in-queens-thanks-to-queens-community-house-joha-joseph-shares-the-good-news/feed/012507Founding Mothers * Children’s Day of Peace
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/founding-mothers-childrens-day-of-peace/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/founding-mothers-childrens-day-of-peace/#respondMon, 10 Aug 2026 11:29:58 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=12493“The Children of today are the Founders of tomorrow” On World Children’s Day (and every day), the Founding Mothers say this global prayer: Every child deserves to grow up knowing they are…
]]>“The Children of today are the Founders of tomorrow”
On World Children’s Day (and every day), the Founding Mothers say this global prayer: Every child deserves to grow up knowing they are loved, protected, heard, and free to dream.
We invite communities around the world to celebrate Children’s Day of Peace – a day dedicated to honoring children through joyful expressions of unity, creativity, kindness, and hope.
Our Goal: One Day * Endless Peace.
Whether your community gathers in a school, a park, a neighborhood, village or city square, every act of peace matters.
Walk together
Play together
Care together
Create together
Celebrate together
One day can inspire a lifetime.
World Children’s Day * Friday, November 20, 2026
Honoring the U.N. Treaty on the Rights of Children
Click on image to read the Treaty
1959: U.N. General Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.
1989: U.N. General Assembly adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a legally binding Treaty detailing the rights every child should possess in order to live a safe and happy life.
The United States is the ONLY U.N. member NOT to sign the Treaty. But we don’t have to wait. Towns, counties, and states can declare adoption, as was done in Santa Clara, California.
Plan a Children’s Day of Peace event in YOUR neighborhood!
We invite you to plan and pin your special event on this Worldwide Map
Help the Children’s Day of Peace GO VIRAL!
Our Mission: To turn ONE day of Peace for children into ENDLESS Peace for ALL. To that end, the Founding Mothers have teamed up with our global peace partners to offer educational events and celebrations on World Children’s Day.
To Register Your Event
Click below to host or find a children’s event in your neighborhood. If you wish to host an event, you will be directed to a portal to load the location and details of your event. Please provide contact information so others can join you on November 20!
Founding Mothers Program on November 20:
On World Children’s Day, FMM will be broadcasting to support the U.S. adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Children. Stay tuned for details …
Use the CTRL key and SCROLL to navigate and resize map.
The Founding Mothers are offering CASH PRIZES to children around the world. We encourage kids to enter this contest and share their magic!
$50 Peace Prizes will be awarded for art, prose, music, and video submissions selected by our Awards Committee. For top 10 finalists, the cash awards will be DOUBLED.
In addition, FMM and our partners will showcase the children’s submissions on our social media and newsletter.
Please help the child in your life register for a Peace Prize! We will accept entries from August 1 to November 20, 2026.
Peace Awards will be announced on January 1, 2027.
Three Categories of Children’s Peace Awards!
Children age 5 to 15 are eligible to register for a Peace Prize
Support our Fundraiser for Children Groups and Permanent Peace!
Donate to let kids know YOU CARE and are committed to World Peace
Join Our Fundraiser
FMM will use the proceeds collected for Children’s Day of Peace to support the cash prizes to kids and to donate to worthy Children’s Groups around the world.
We’ll also use the funds to petition the U.S. government to adopt the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to promote the Founding Mothers Proclamation.
Other Fundraising Ideas
Plan a Children’s March! And pledge a dollar amount for each mile walked by the children.
Host a Bake Sale. Let the kids have fun making the items you sell and donate proceeds to their school.
To DONATE funds to the Children’s Peace Prize and Peace Groups: CLICK HERE
Co-Sponsors for Children’s Day of Peace Awards
And members of the Founding Mothers Awards Committee
THIS IS HIGE! I am a delegate of the Womens Congress, and have been asking fir aupport with the Childrens work from the USA since Congress became a thing. Nov 20! Game On!!!! Look what yhey have done! https://www.foundingmothers.world/childrens-day-peace
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/founding-mothers-childrens-day-of-peace/feed/012493Okay…Which One of the is Older?
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/okay-which-one-of-the-is-older/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/okay-which-one-of-the-is-older/#respondMon, 20 Jul 2026 13:57:33 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=12348Listen to “Okay…Which One of the is Older?” on Spreaker.
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/okay-which-one-of-the-is-older/feed/012348Mayor Mamdani Announces First-Ever NYC Parks “Parents’ Night Out,” Giving Parents and Caregivers a Free Evening Off – NYC Mayor’s Office
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/mayor-mamdani-announces-first-ever-nyc-parks-parents-night-out-giving-parents-and-caregivers-a-free-evening-off-nyc-mayors-office/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/mayor-mamdani-announces-first-ever-nyc-parks-parents-night-out-giving-parents-and-caregivers-a-free-evening-off-nyc-mayors-office/#respondTue, 14 Jul 2026 09:29:13 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=12284What you should know Free drop-off program offers children an evening of supervised recreation while parents and caregivers enjoy a few hours to themselves Families can register online from July 13 through…
NEW YORK – Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announcedthe launch of NYC Parks’ first-ever Parents’ Night Out, a free, one-night drop-off program that gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to enjoy an evening to themselves while children participate in supervised fun at select NYC Parks recreation centers across the five boroughs.
While parents recharge, run errands, enjoy a date night or simply take time for themselves, children will spend the evening participating in supervised games, sports and fitness activities, arts and crafts, media education programs and nature exploration with Urban Park Rangers, all led by trained NYC Parks staff. The experience is designed to showcase the wide range of engaging recreational programs NYC Parks offers year-round. Dinner will be provided for all participants.
“Every parent knows that a few hours to yourself can feel like a luxury,” said Mayor Mamdani. “It shouldn’t be. That’s why we’re launching New York City’s first-ever Parents’ Night Out, so that parents can get a little time on their own to catch a movie, run errands or go on a date without worrying about who will take care of the kids — or how much it will cost. Making New York City more affordable isn’t just about lowering costs, it’s about giving people back their time. This administration is committed to making it easier to raise a family in the greatest city in the world.”
“Parents and caregivers spend so much of their time taking care of everyone else, and they deserve an opportunity to recharge,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our first-ever Parents’ Night Out is about making sure our administration is working for New Yorkers by providing a free, safe and fun experience for children while giving families a few hours to themselves. Whether it’s enjoying dinner or simply taking a well-earned break, we’re proud to offer an affordable program that supports families and strengthens our communities.”
This free program reflects NYC Parks’ commitment to making recreation more accessible and support working families by creating affordable opportunities that improve quality of life for New Yorkers. Children will enjoy an evening of recreation, including active games, sports, arts and crafts and group activities at the following in NYC Parks recreation centers:
Space is limited, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Families must register online between Monday, July 13 and Monday, July 20 and are asked to register for only one location. To apply, please visit: nyc.gov/parks/parentsnightout.
Following registration, participants will receive information by email about completing a required event waiver by Friday, July 31 and obtaining a free NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for each participating child by Sunday, August 16.
Recreation center memberships are always free for children, and all participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 by August 16, 2026.
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/mayor-mamdani-announces-first-ever-nyc-parks-parents-night-out-giving-parents-and-caregivers-a-free-evening-off-nyc-mayors-office/feed/012284Consciousness is the key to growth with nurse and integrative health coach Cathleen Beerkens, author of YOUR CREATOR MATRIX
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/consciousness-is-the-key-to-growth-with-nurse-and-integrative-health-coach-cathleen-beerkens-author-of-your-creator-matrix/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/consciousness-is-the-key-to-growth-with-nurse-and-integrative-health-coach-cathleen-beerkens-author-of-your-creator-matrix/#respondThu, 25 Jun 2026 16:21:30 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=12141 Listen to “Consciousness is the key to growth with nurse and integrative health coach Cathleen Beerkens, author of YOUR CREATOR MATRIX” on Spreaker. YOUR CREATOR MATRIX: How to Use Optimal Wellness…
“Never before have we seen a perspective on manifestation like this. Through science and story, Cathleen shows us how we can create, refine, and design our reality by optimizing our well-being at the cellular level. This book will forever change the way you see yourself as an integrated being and creator.” – Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times best-selling author, Happy for No Reason and Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul
In an interview, she will talk about:
When we recognize that we are not our stories, we can learn to create healthy boundaries and take responsibility for what is ours and what is not.
Why there’s a need to have consciousness and compassion, rather than empathy – and why consciousness is the key to growth
Our habits often grow out of our stories, emerging as a way for us to create a sense of safety by distancing ourselves from pain.
Your DNA doesn’t determine your outcome
The book has been recognized by The Eric Hoffer Book Awards, NYC Big Book Award, and the Best Indie Book. The Eric Hoffer Award exists as a platform to honor independent books of exceptional merit. The Eric Hoffer panel of 200 judges looks at thousands of books and Your Creator Matrix is one of the final 5 under health. Here is the list of the 2025 awards: https://theusreview.com/USRhoffer.html#. The book was also listed on The Montaigne Finalist for books that either illuminate, progress, or redirect thought.
To receive a review copy of the book, or to schedule an interview, please contact me at 646.972.0033 or heather.huzovic@gmail.com.
Best,
Heather
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathleen Beerkens graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Health Education in 1983 and continued her education by receiving a BSN from Georgetown University Nursing School in 1985. She began her nursing career at Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington, DC. Where she worked for 11 years in various positions. She also spent many years teaching as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Georgetown University Nursing School, conducting childbirth education and working with midwives. Beerkens is the founder of A Wellness Revolution, an institute for integrative nutrition based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For more information on Cathleen please visit: https://www.awellnessrevolution.com/
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/consciousness-is-the-key-to-growth-with-nurse-and-integrative-health-coach-cathleen-beerkens-author-of-your-creator-matrix/feed/012141Brad Hoylman-Sigal joins the Summer Youth Resource Fair in Harlem, we speak to Deputy Borough President Miesha Smith- Yay Brad and Miesha. Also we interview Uptown Stories.
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/brad-hoylman-sigal-joins-the-summer-youth-resource-fair-in-harlem-we-speak-to-deputy-borough-president-miesha-smith-yay-brad-and-miesha-also-we-interview-uptown-stories/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/brad-hoylman-sigal-joins-the-summer-youth-resource-fair-in-harlem-we-speak-to-deputy-borough-president-miesha-smith-yay-brad-and-miesha-also-we-interview-uptown-stories/#respondSat, 11 Apr 2026 12:57:49 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=11524Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal Miesha Smith Deputy Manhattan Borough President Listen to “Miesha Smith Deputy Manhattan Borough President” on Spreaker. Uptown Stories shares Good News Listen to “Uptown…
Please join our Summer Youth Resource Fair outside on the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building Plaza on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. this Saturday, April 11, from 1-3pm.
Find out how to get children and teens involved in Manhattan this summer through camps, jobs, and other opportunities!
We’ll have a range of agencies and community-based organizations from across the borough to share information and sign up students for summer programs before deadlines close. I hope you can join us!
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/brad-hoylman-sigal-joins-the-summer-youth-resource-fair-in-harlem-we-speak-to-deputy-borough-president-miesha-smith-yay-brad-and-miesha-also-we-interview-uptown-stories/feed/011524Bill Withers-“Grandma’s Hands” – Book-Signing with Marcia and Kori Withers @ Barnes and Noble- 555 Fifth Avenue, NYC – Friday, April 17 at 12 pm | Eventbrite
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/bill-withers-grandmas-hands-book-signing-with-marcia-and-kori-withers-barnes-and-noble-555-fifth-avenue-nyc-friday-april-17-at-12-pm-eventbrite/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/bill-withers-grandmas-hands-book-signing-with-marcia-and-kori-withers-barnes-and-noble-555-fifth-avenue-nyc-friday-april-17-at-12-pm-eventbrite/#respondTue, 07 Apr 2026 09:12:04 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=11502Please join Bill Withers’ wife Marcia and daughter Kori on Friday, April 17th at 12 Noon for a special book-signing of the unique “Grandma’s Hands” children’s book by the legendary…
]]>Please join Bill Withers’ wife Marcia and daughter Kori on Friday, April 17th at 12 Noon for a special book-signing of the unique “Grandma’s Hands” children’s book by the legendary icon and Grammy-Award-winning singer-songwriter. It’s a great gift for Mother’s Day, Grandparents Day and many other occasions.
Reserve your tickets now while they’re still available www.Eventbrite.com
ABOUT GRANDMA’S HANDS:
“Grandma’s Hands” is a timeless, universal song originally featured on Bill Withers’ 1971 album, “Just As I Am.” With soulful lyrics, the song captures the significant impact that Withers’ grandmother had on his life as a child. Multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie has brought the iconic song to life through vibrant illustrations, painting a tender portrait of Bill’s grandmother. Through the illustrations, readers are transported back in time to experience the comfort, security, and unconditional love that he found in his grandmother’s hands.
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/bill-withers-grandmas-hands-book-signing-with-marcia-and-kori-withers-barnes-and-noble-555-fifth-avenue-nyc-friday-april-17-at-12-pm-eventbrite/feed/011502Sharmeika Davis-Boyd is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community leader, best known as the Founder and Owner of Qiky Kidz LLC
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/sharmeika-davis-boyd-is-an-accomplished-author-entrepreneur-motivational-speaker-and-community-leader-best-known-as-the-founder-and-owner-of-qiky-kidz-llc/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/sharmeika-davis-boyd-is-an-accomplished-author-entrepreneur-motivational-speaker-and-community-leader-best-known-as-the-founder-and-owner-of-qiky-kidz-llc/#respondThu, 02 Apr 2026 15:29:21 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=11462 Listen to “Sharmeika Davis-Boyd is an accomplished author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and community leader, best known as the Founder and…” on Spreaker. Sharmeika Davis-Boyd is an accomplished author, entrepreneur,…
She has been recognized in several newspaper articles in her community and rewarded citations by both the New York City Council and the New York State Assembly for her outstanding community impact, Sharmeika has built a reputation for transforming learning into fun, memorable moments for children and families across New York.
Through Qiky Kidz, she has led impactful initiatives including McDonald’s Read Aloud programs, library book signing, YMCA youth events, and other organizations, also interactive storytime sessions at schools and daycare centers. Her work focuses on promoting early childhood literacy, confidence, and imagination, especially in underserved communities.
She has written over 13 manuscripts. She has two published books. Her books are available online everywhere books are sold. Her first book “Grandma Has A Mouse in Her House” is in several library through out Queens, New York.
Her third book will be published in,
May of 2026.
As an author, Sharmeika brings stories to life that empower children to dream big and embrace learning. As a business owner and visionary, she continues to expand Qiky Kidz into a dynamic platform that bridges education and entertainment. Sharmeika goals are to bring families together through engaging activities that encourages bonding time together with parents, grandparents and children. We want everyone to put down their electronics in participate. Qiky Kidz puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Her mission is simple yet powerful: to make learning exciting, accessible, and impactful—one child at a time.
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/sharmeika-davis-boyd-is-an-accomplished-author-entrepreneur-motivational-speaker-and-community-leader-best-known-as-the-founder-and-owner-of-qiky-kidz-llc/feed/011462Trisomy 18, Edwards Syndrome Takes the Life or Baby Marita – Her Mom creates Marita Brings Life Foundation thin 2 ours with a max. Life expectancy of 2 days This was her at 2 days old, alive and kicking.
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/trisomy-18-edwards-syndrome-takes-the-life-or-baby-marita-her-mom-creates-marita-brings-life-foundation-thin-2-ours-with-a-max-life-expectancy-of-2-days-this-was-her-at-2-days-old-alive-and-kicki/
https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/trisomy-18-edwards-syndrome-takes-the-life-or-baby-marita-her-mom-creates-marita-brings-life-foundation-thin-2-ours-with-a-max-life-expectancy-of-2-days-this-was-her-at-2-days-old-alive-and-kicki/#respondTue, 31 Mar 2026 11:57:51 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=11419 Listen to “Trisomy 18, Edwards Syndrome Takes the Life or Baby Marita – Her Mom creates Marita Brings Life Foundation thin 2 ours with a max. Life…” on Spreaker.…
when it is our safe place
that died.
How do we tell lungs
to breathe through the pain
when they’re mourning
the air itself. –
Bereaved mum, anonymous
Abstract
This research aims at examining parents’ healthcare experiences for children with Trisomy 13
and 18 across three countries in the EU and the US, with emphasis on cultural, social and
medical perspectives on their interaction with healthcare professionals. The study using
semi-structured interviews explores how parents and children are wronged systematically;
ways in which there can be a clear lack of communication, ethical dilemmas, and ways in
which children with Trisomy 13 and 18 are stereotyped regarding the treatment that they are
given. Going further into the principal outcomes, it is worth to note that the parents are
essential in demanding their childrens’ care, as they actively dispute the medical
professionals and fight for their children’s rights, if the latter face withdrawal of care, or even
active unconsented palliative care. Additionally, the research addresses how parents attempt
to strategize against these situations by forming parent support groups, both formally and
informally, that allow better access to better healthcare facilities. Moreover, there are the
further findings of the research – the research shows that there exist serious violations of
ethical principles such as the principle of informed consent, the criterion of proportionality
and human rights violations with regards to equal access of medical care for the disabled. The
research shows that there is a need to design and implement better and sensitive health care
practices that respect the views of families with T13/18. For example, it advocates for
increased understanding of profession and parent communication, increased support of family
members and more attention paid to discrimination against children with T13/18 in
healthcare. These findings advance the knowledge in the field of Medical Anthropology,
Disability Studies, and Genetic Counseling that can be useful in the future health care
practices and policies for the families of the children with genetic disorders.
Acknowledgements
This dissertation is dedicated to my daughter, Marita, who was born on July 31, 2018, and sadly passed away
on September 1, 2018. I may never know if she would have survived had she received the care typically afforded
to a child unaffected by a chromosomal anomaly. My daughter was denied even the most basic care, such as
water and food. I extend my deepest gratitude to those parents who have entrusted me with their stories and to
the children who have shared their profound joy and love for life with me. In particular, this dissertation is
especially dedicated to Febe, who tragically passed away, most likely unnecessarily, while I was in the process
of writing this dissertation. I also wish to thank everyone who supported me in various ways. Special thanks go
to Professor Jonathan Gross at DePaul University, Chicago, who never stopped believing in my work.
Preface
It’s January 25, 2018. I’m about to walk the dog, feeling good, when the phone rings and my obstetrician speaks
in an aggressive tone: “You haven’t looked up your NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) results!” I calmly
respond, “Yes, indeed,…” I try to explain that I decided not to look them up. Upon returning home, I felt I had
been somewhat pressured into this. She had said, “It’s good to test because you and your husband (“Who says I
am married?”, I remember thinking.), will be able to provide better care for your child in case it has a genetic
disorder like Down syndrome. You’re 38 years old, don’t you think it’s a good idea?” I had answered, “If this
test is meant to help me get better care for my baby… if I can use it to inform myself, and if it’s not going to be
used against me or my child or my family…I would like to do it.” Thus we proceeded.
“But will my child get better care?” I later wondered. “Why should I do a genetic test if any child is more than
welcome? Wasn’t I causing myself a lot of worries and difficulties by knowing, instead of enjoying the bliss of
not knowing? What would this knowledge and the accompanying stress do to my child?” The obstetrician told
me she wouldn’t look up the results, and I had trusted her. “It’s your own responsibility; I won’t do it for you,”
she said in a snarky tone, while handing me a post-it with a login and password. Today she calls me, seemingly
enraged, and I don’t get a chance to stop her. She interrupts me and continues shouting statistical facts through
the phone.
“Your child has a 43% chance of Edwards syndrome. It’s similar to Down syndrome but much worse. It comes
with curved legs and arms, rock-bottom feet,… It will never be able to walk or speak. It’s the worst possible
disability there is. When are you coming in?”
I sit down on the puppy’s crate. He keeps pulling at his leash, eager to go out, and doesn’t pay attention to my
phone conversation. Nature calls. I breathe deeply, trying to buy some time, and respond, “Why should I exactly
come in?” I notice a hint of irony in my voice—a tone I would later recognise in other parents’ voices, much
later, after my daughter had passed away and I finally connected with them.
The obstetrician sighs and exclaims, “YOU SHOULD COME IN FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. THERE IS
NO TIME TO LOSE,” then continues, “You were already late,” this time in an accusatory tone. (“Being
pregnant is not being sick,” I remember thinking to myself. I was barely two months pregnant when I had
contacted her.) “Which appointment?” I ask. (“A 43% chance of Edwards syndrome?” What on earth does that
mean? “Is the baby going to be half disabled?”, I remember thinking while drifting away into cynicism.
Thoughts are racing through my head at this point.) Before I have a chance to ask for further clarifications, she
rambles on:
“…IN BELGIUM WE ABORT SUCH CHILDREN. YOU SHOULD COME IN FOR YOUR
APPOINTMENT!!”
I now understand what “your appointment” means when she explains her cultural understanding of the matter.
This was also my first encounter with a typical discursive practice around NIPT, abortion, and having a child
with a trisomy disorder. “Coming in for your appointment” clearly meant “in Belgium we abort such children”,
the “appointment” was the “abortion appointment,” and “aborting such children”, apparently a normal procedure
here.
Calmly and politely, I clarify my position: “Whether to abort my child or not is still a decision to be made by me
and me alone, in whichever country I live.” I am not necessarily pro-life, nor am I pro-abortion. However, I am a
feminist, and nobody decides over my body and the little foetus growing inside me but me.
My experience also has a personal component. Following the standard DSM definition, I could be seen as
disabled (cf. I am diagnosed on the autism spectrum). Yet, I strongly align with how autistic sociologist Judy
Singer described our neurological difference: we’re neurodivergent, not disabled. Strictly speaking, we’re not
even necessarily autistic in the negative sense of the word. I have other qualities, other capabilities. I know my
value, and I have equal rights. My future disabled child has equal rights too.
“My dog needs a walk. I’ll call you back later. Thank you so much for your call,” I manage to politely utter. As I
put down the phone, I feel an incredible sense of unsafety in and around my body. I tremble as I walk into the
woods behind the house. Walking through the forest, I listen to the sounds around me, while the dog happily
runs about. There seem to be no problems here… until I lose sight of him and find him standing on the ice of the
little lake. He’s looking at me with terrified eyes. I’m terrified too. What have I gotten myself into? We’re both
on thin ice… and I’ve made a huge mistake consenting with this NIPT.
While helping the dog out of his precarious situation, I somehow come to terms with what just happened. The
doctor, whom I had confided in, had literally pulled the rug out from under me. Weren’t these results supposed
to be used to “improve and provide better healthcare for my child in case she would have a genetic disorder?” I
wasn’t even thinking about how she had looked up my results while saying she wouldn’t. It didn’t sit well with
me that now, all of a sudden, “better healthcare” was being translated into a—supposedly, if I could believe
her—national procedure to abort “such children.” How trustworthy was this NIPT actually? I wanted to run, as
far away as I could. This wasn’t really happening… THIS WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME, TO
US… At that moment, I even thought I could escape from it.
I walked, almost ran back to the house. I felt so small, so vulnerable, so full of adrenaline… I’m back at the
house and call the hospital: “I am calling in reference to my earlier conversation with Dr. X, you might know
about it?” “Yes”, mumbles the nurse. “I am calling to say I am withdrawing consent in sharing my and my
daughter’s medical files with any other hospital, including my GP.” The nurse responded: “This is not how
things work over here, maybe it’s different in the Netherlands.” (I have a Dutch accent.) “Yes this is how things
work over here,” I respond firmly, “I live here. I was born and raised here and I am aware of my rights. I do have
a right to medical confidentiality as any other person does. This right applies to my and my child’s medical files.
Also in Belgium. So again, I am asking you to clearly include in my medical files and those of my child, that
there is no consent to share them with anyone. Also not my GP. Please can you make sure to have a copy
available? I’d like to pick it up as soon as possible. I’ll drop by in 30 minutes. If it’s not ready, I’ll wait.”
An hour later, files in hand, I find myself buying a newspaper in the city centre. I need something to ground
myself in reality. But while reading the newspaper, I can’t stop thinking: “This is not my world anymore.
Nothing in this newspaper relates to me. I am here, you are all there. I’m in a different world. I’m falling into an
abyss that you all don’t know about. What is happening to me…?” Then the phone rings. My GP: “I just had a
call and heard you picked up your files from the hospital?” “There is no consent to share my files.” At this point
I feel I am getting angry. My patience is gone. “Yes, I know,” she rambles on, but I am barely able to receive
what she says, and feel myself sinking away, deeper and deeper, until I hear: “But don’t you think that if the
doctor advises you to abort, it would be wise to listen to her? Don’t you think the doctor knows better?”
That afternoon, I contact my former GP in the Netherlands and politely ask for a referral to the nearest Dutch
hospital. I am Dutch, live on the Dutch-Belgian border, and am insured in both countries (a luxury not everyone
has). I firmly believe that crossing the border, I would find a welcoming and nurturing environment—a place
where my possibly disabled child would be treated as an equal citizen. If I had only known.
Introduction
This dissertation explores the experiences of families of children with Trisomy 13 and 18
(T13/18), two severe genetic disorders, within the healthcare systems of three countries in the
European Union (Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany), as compared to experiences of
parents in the American healthcare system. The research investigates the extent to which the
differing views of parents and physicians regarding the care of children with these genetic
disorders influences parents’ experiences when they encounter negative eugenics.
Additionally, the study seeks to identify the culturally specific strategies that families employ
in response to these challenges. The study will compare parental experiences in the healthcare
systems of the US, characterised by a typical litigiousness and overwhelming fear of being
sued for medical malpractice, and these three countries in the EU, in order to understand how
modern-day eugenics is constituted in both the prenatal and postnatal context in these
Western societies.
A key aspect in the disability debate is the evaluation of the role of medicine in
defining disability in Western societies. As Foucault (1976, p. 252) argues, in biopolitical
states, ‘medicine becomes a political intervention-technique with specific power-effects.
Medicine is a form of power-knowledge that can be applied to both the body and the
population’. Similarly, Oliver (1990, Ch. 3) contends that the category of ‘disability’ is
socially constructed and fluid, able to resolve systemic contradictions within a given society.
Moreover, once certain groups are classified within this category, it becomes difficult, if not
impossible, for them to be excluded, creating a ‘distributive dilemma’ for states that can be
addressed in different ways depending on their mode of production. Oliver (1990, Ch. 3)
suggests that distribution based on needs may indicate the emergence of a socialist system,
while distribution based on costs may reflect a capitalist mode of production.
As Foucault argues, in its most extreme forms this ‘distributive dilemma’ manifests in
biopolitical societies in forms of ‘racism’. Foucault (1976, p. 255-259) argues that ‘racism’,
is ‘primarily a way of introducing a break into the domain of life that is under powers’
control: the break between what must live and what must die’. According to him, racism may
be seen as processes of stigmatisation, abandonment, rejection, expulsion and discrimination,
on the one hand. Or, on the other hand, as processes of killing or indirect killing…
]]>https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/trisomy-18-edwards-syndrome-takes-the-life-or-baby-marita-her-mom-creates-marita-brings-life-foundation-thin-2-ours-with-a-max-life-expectancy-of-2-days-this-was-her-at-2-days-old-alive-and-kicki/feed/011419HUGG-A-PLANET ARE FOR SALE THROUGH PAUSE THE WORLD FOR PEACE OR GO TO e-mail Paul at paul.sladkus1@gmail.com for a Special Good News Discount…
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https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/hugg-a-planet-are-for-sale-through-pause-the-world-for-peace-or-go-to-e-mail-paul-at-paul-sladkus1gmail-com-for-a-special-good-news-discount/#respondThu, 26 Mar 2026 10:29:23 +0000https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/?p=11344Welcome To Our Hugg-A-Planet, HuggaPlanet.com Site. https://goodnewsplanet.com/kick-off-event-for-earth-day-4-22-25-nov-12-26-mars-space-odyssey-at-sea/ What we have is fun, useful and will make a memorable difference in any childs life. The Hugg-A-Planet, Earth is one of those unique…
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Share the power of hugging our planet Earth with someone you love…
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