"A society that kills its children has lost its soul and its hope..." -Dr. Jerome Lejeune
Dr. Jerome Lejeune (June 13, 1926 – April 3, 1994) was a French pediatrician and geneticist, renowned in the field of medicine for discovering a link between intellectual disabilities and chromosomal irregularities.
In the early 1950’s Lejeune began researching Down syndrome in an effort to find its cause. He first discovered that children with Down syndrome have anomalies in their fingerprints, and the lines on their palms. From there, studying tissue samples, he confirmed that these irregularities were due to chromosomal “accidents.” And by 1957 Lejeune had demonstrated that these children have an extra chromosome.
His discovery revolutionized the field of genetics, and paved the way for new therapeutic treatments. Lejeune went on to identify several other syndromes related to chromosomal abnormalities as well. For his trailblazing work, he was celebrated internationally, and in 1964 Dr. Lejeune was named the first chair of human genetics at the Paris School of Medicine.
He always saw research and treatment as inseparable, and his ultimate goal was to alleviate suffering while celebrating the dignity of life. Thus, Lejeune was mortified to see that his genetic discoveries had slowly begun leading to the termination of pregnancies involving special needs children. In critiquing his own profession, he wrote:
“They brandish chromosomal racism like the flag of freedom…. That this rejection of medicine—of the whole biological brotherhood that binds the human family—should be the only practical application of our knowledge of Trisomy 21 is beyond heartbreaking….”
Dr. Lejeune’s answer to what he considered the grave misuse of his findings was to become a passionate advocate for the dignity of all human beings, born and unborn. He would dedicate the rest of his life, and his immense genius, to speaking, writing, and organizing in support of a culture of life.
Jerome Lejeune died on Easter Sunday 1994.
The Catholic Church has opened his cause for canonization as a saint, and given him the title “Servant of God.”
Dr. Jerome Lejeune was a groundbreaking doctor and scientist who was profoundly committed to supporting human life, in all its complexity.
He is a hero you should know.
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- Ross Porter
- Dr. Ross Porter received his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Master of Divinity (Theology) and Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he first became interested in the integration of psychology and spirituality. He is a teacher, author, counselor, and consultant, specializing in integrative psychology, virtue ethics and family systems. He has taught at the high school, college, and graduate school levels. Ross is also the Founder and Executive Director of Stillpoint Family Resources, a non-profit organization that offers counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in crisis, with nine different office locations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties (specific office locations can be found at www.stillpointfamilyresources.org). In 2009, Dr. Porter was named an “Outstanding Angeleno” by the Los Angeles Daily News. Ross and his wife Jennifer have been married for 21 years, and have four beautiful children. John Michael, their son who has Down Syndrome is their first born.
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