Ron Estes: “I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill). It is tremendous to be able to work with representatives like him that…”

“I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill). It is tremendous to be able to work with representatives like him that have a goal to focus on: how do we make life better? How do we provide opportunities for individuals? You touched on a sad part in society today where so many people seem to think that it is right that just because of some particular trait that the parents don't necessarily like, that they are able to kill individuals because of that through abortion. When we are talking about Down syndrome and awareness of that, you know, it is a sad fact that we have got to address this issue. We have got to address that extreme discrimination that some individuals that want to impress upon those people who may have Down syndrome even before they have a chance to live a life. In the United States, two-thirds--67 percent--of babies diagnosed with Down syndrome while in the womb are aborted. In Europe, it is even worse. In France, the rate is 77 percent. In Denmark, it is 98 percent. And in Iceland, it is nearly 100 percent, where late-term abortions are allowed if the baby has a deformity, which includes Down syndrome, to quote a CBS News article. In a society where Down syndrome individuals can have a wonderful quality of life and pursue their dreams, this discrimination needs to be brought to light.…”