I even think that "irresponsible" the wrong answer. I just think that most of the answers on here are out of ignorance or fearful speculation. I have 2 sons with Down Syndrome, born 2 years apart. They are not classified as "retarded," their status is developmentally delayed. They are both bright, hilarious, sweet, relatively capable kids. Both medical and educational advances have me expecting they -- with a lot of help and a specialized curriculum -- will both get to nearly high school competency, probably have some post-secondary education, live independently, have jobs, and, if they are lucky, find someone they fall in love with and marry. My kids are happy like anyone else is: if they are enabled to give and receive love, are challenged and given the chance to succeed, are allowed to develop their talents and pursue their interests and passions -- they're happy. They will always need more help than normal kids and adults. But as for me, though I was afraid when I first learned I would be the father of a special needs kid, these boys have made my life orders of magnitude richer for knowing them and living with them. Having decided to eliminate their chance at life would have been the worst decision I ever made.