Sue Hayman, Member of Parliament for Workington, has met with parents of children with Down syndrome in Parliament at an event to raise awareness and challenging the stereotype of the condition in public perception.
The parliamentary reception, hosted by The Ups of Downs and Positive About Down Syndrome, was a chance for MPs and Peers to meet with parents in order to better understand their concerns about how Down syndrome is seen by the population.
The organisations were set up by parents of children with Down syndrome to provide support and advice for other parents who may be considering screening, have recently received a positive diagnosis, or who have recently had a baby with Down syndrome.
Sue attended the event alongside The Right Reverend James Newcombe, the Bishop of Carlisle, who is the Church of England’s health spokesman in the House of Lords.
Sue said: “It was good to meet with parents of children with Down syndrome in order to discuss with them the lack of support that there is available for parents who may be considering screening for Down syndrome or who have just received a positive diagnosis.
“It’s really important that expectant parents are able to make an informed choice. The parents from The Ups of Downs and Positive About Down Syndrome shared with us their experiences and the reality of their lives with children with Down syndrome. It was an excellent opportunity to talk to them and gain a thoughtful insight into the lives of them and their families.”
