If there’s anything that’s worth taking some time to watch this week, it is this video of Frank Stephens’ opening comments when speaking to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
Stephens is an actor, speaker, and advocate. He also has Down syndrome. He spoke to the congressional committee on behalf of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation in order to join the committee’s discussion on the state of science for Down syndrome research.
In his opening comments, Stephens brought up the “final solution” being pushed by many as the answer to Down syndrome in this world: abortion.
“Some people say prenatal screens will identify Down syndrome in the womb, and those pregnancies will just be terminated,” stated Stephens. “It’s hard for me to sit here and say those words. I completely understand that the people pushing this particular ‘final solution’ are saying that people like me should not exist.”
“I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living,” Stephens declared.
Stephens went on to point out the importance of people with Down syndrome to this world. He specifically touched on the fact that having an extra chromosome means that people with Down syndrome are essentially a blueprint for medical research. Talking about how his mother is battling Alzheimer’s, Stephens commented, “On a deeply personal note, I cannot tell you how much it means to me that my extra chromosome might lead to the answer to Alzheimer’s.”
However, Stephens wishes he didn’t have to justify the value of his own life. “Seriously, I don’t feel I should have to justify my existence. Is there really no place for us in the world?” asked Stephens. “Surely happiness is worth something.”
In his closing, Stephens gave a challenge: “Let’s be America, not Iceland or Denmark. Let’s pursue answers, not final solutions. Let’s be America. Let’s make our goal to be Alzheimer’s free, not Down syndrome free.”
In a single speech, Stephens invalidated all ‘quality of life’ arguments given by those who support abortions. When so many advocate for the death of an unborn child on how they perceive their future life to be, Stephens can testify that they are wrong. All lives are worth living — who are we to predetermine a life’s value?
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood just recently won a legal battle in Indiana, where women will be able to continue killing their unborn children based on sex, race, and genetic conditions (like Down syndrome). This is a genocide that occurs every single day.
Let’s learn a lesson from Frank Stephens and be willing to stand up for the value of life — every life.
Photo credit: Screenshot via YouTube
