186. Our Response to the Ableist Comments on Netflix's "Love Is Blind"

You’ve likely seen the conversation surrounding Down syndrome and abortion that recently took place on Netflix’s popular dating show, “Love Is Blind.” When discussing family planning with her new fiancé, a contestant on the show stated that she would likely terminate a pregnancy if given a Down syndrome diagnosis, after seeing the “trauma” it causes a family. Here’s the thing: this contestant is a pediatric speech therapist who is very familiar with children who have Down syndrome. So we have a lot to unpack here.. starting with ableist thinking, bold claims about how people with DS affect their families, Netflix’s lack of acknowledgment, and feeling safe (or maybe not) at our children’s therapy appointments. Remember, just because you love someone with DS (or work with them daily), does not mean you’re not ableist.

(Oh and if you’ve never seen the show, don’t worry! We have a quick wikipedia style breakdown for you).