Two couples decided not to have abortions after seeing a video featuring a child with Down’s syndrome.
The video was shared by a mum to promote awareness of the condition.
The Facebook video featured Jade Lennon’s five-year-old daughter Chloe encouraging people to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day today on 21 March by wearing odd socks.
‘Loves life’
Jade wanted to make a video which would show the world how much Chloe loves life despite being born with Down’s syndrome – and so break stereotypes about the condition.
She said: “Chloe is just like any other five-year-old and it is heart-breaking when people take one look at her and assume she is not intelligent and she is not capable.
“She is capable, as are all people with Down’s syndrome.”
Choose life
The video has been viewed over 20 million times in just over a week and has already had a huge impact for two couples.
After the video went viral an expectant mother in the US contacted Jade. Her child had been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and she was considering an abortion.
The unnamed woman told Jade she and her partner watched the video and decided to choose life for their baby.
Positive change
Another told her that her partner was struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis.
Jade said: “After showing him Chloe’s video she said it was as if a light had gone on in his eyes. He doesn’t have as many fears and she can tell there is a change in him.”
Alongside 49 other mums, Jade also collaborated to make “50 mums, 50 kids, one extra chromosome”.
The short video shows the mums and kids singing through sign language to raise awareness for World Down’s Syndrome Day today on 21 March.