Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Alaska governor gives birth to son with Down syndrome


Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska with husband, Todd,
and baby, Trig.

The Associated Press and the Anchorage Daily News report that Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska has confirmed that her newborn son has Down syndrome. I really like this picture from the Anchorage Daily News -- parents beaming at their newborn with Down syndrome, just like any other parents would. It defies those who would interpret this event as a "tragedy."

Trig Paxson Van Palin arrived a month early on April 18 after Gov. Palin returned to Alaska from an energy conference in Texas. "A statement she issued following the birth said she knew her son would face special challenges but wasn't specific," The AP reported. Palin, 44, and her husband, Todd, have three daughters and one other son, ages 18 to 7.

"Testing during early pregnancy revealed the condition," according to the Anchorage Daily News. "Palin said she was sad at first but they now feel blessed that God chose them. The couple has lots of family support, she said."

And baby Trig will help run Alaska right away, because Palin told the Anchorage Daily News that she doesn't plan to take maternity leave but to bring Trig to work. But she made it clear that she will take time off whenever is needed for Trig's medical care or physical therapy, etc.