This Couple with Down Syndrome Wants Kids—But the Backlash Is Shocking!

Many people know what it’s like to be questioned about having children. Society often expects people to follow a set path: get a good job, find a partner, get married, and have kids. Those who choose not to have children often have to explain their decision to others.

People sometimes ask personal and uncomfortable questions, especially when someone decides not to be a parent. Some even think choosing not to have children is selfish. But when a couple who is seen as “different” decides to have children, people’s views on selfishness can quickly change.

More than 20 years ago, Patti White from California received news that made her both happy and nervous. Her daughter Lisa told her she was pregnant.

Lisa has Down syndrome, a condition that affects a person’s physical and mental development. However, many people with Down syndrome can live independently, have jobs, and take care of themselves.

It is rare for two people with Down syndrome to have a child because men with Down syndrome usually cannot father children. So when Lisa shared her pregnancy news, Patti was surprised but fully supported her daughter’s choice.

At 29 years old, Lisa lived in her own apartment and worked full-time at a Goodwill store. She had been living independently for 11 years.

“She got along with everyone. She could do everything except use the cash register. She liked it there, and they liked her,” Patti said in an interview.

Lisa was also in a relationship with a man who had Down syndrome. They dated but lived separately. Patti understood that her daughter had a healthy relationship, and they had even talked about birth control and safe sex.

“At the time, all the books said men with Down syndrome were sterile. People told us not to worry because they couldn’t get anyone pregnant,” Patti explained.

But life had other plans.

One day, Patti came back from lunch and listened to her voicemail. Lisa had left an excited message:

“Hi, Mom, I just wanted you to know you are going to be a GRANDMOTHER!”

Patti was shocked. “My mind went in all directions. How could this be? Her boyfriend has Down syndrome!”

Many outsiders criticized Lisa’s decision to have a baby. Some called it irresponsible, while others doubted her ability to be a good mother. But her family stood by her, supporting and protecting her from judgment.

Lisa was a strong and determined woman. She had a normal pregnancy in many ways—she attended childbirth classes, had a pregnancy coach, and experienced the usual symptoms.

“It was hard for me to walk around when I was pregnant. I was working five days a week. I had morning sickness and felt like I was going to throw up,” Lisa shared.

Because her pregnancy was considered high risk, doctors monitored her closely. Lisa gave birth four weeks early to a baby boy named Nic, who also had Down syndrome.

Nic’s father was there for his birth, and the couple tried to live together at first. Sadly, their relationship didn’t work out, and when Nic was five years old, his father passed away.

Lisa, with the help of her mother Patti, raised Nic with love and care. Today, Nic is 24 years old, a college graduate, and a confident young man. His mother and grandmother couldn’t be prouder of him.

Being a parent always comes with challenges, but Lisa faced extra obstacles. Many people judged her for choosing to have a child. Some of Lisa’s friends even stopped talking to her because their parents feared she would influence them to want babies, too.

In 2016, Patti shared an update about their lives on social media. She posted a picture of Lisa and Nic with a touching message:

“This is my daughter Lisa, clowning around with her son Nic. They both have Down syndrome. This year is a big one for all of us. She will turn 50, and he will turn 20. As for me, I feel older than dirt!

When Lisa became pregnant, our goal was for her to have a relationship with her son. There were many ups to their ‘Downs,’ but after all these years, we can honestly say they have beaten the odds and share a deep love for each other.

Lisa is a single mom, and we are so proud of her.”

For years, Lisa, Nic, and Patti have shown the world the true value of people with Down syndrome. Their story proves that love and determination can overcome any challenge.

Their journey is an inspiration. If you agree, share this story with your friends!