Health Without Conformity

Prompt from Eiiri’s Prompt Foundry, “Pride 2 Disability Boogaloo”.

“Mr and Mrs Palmer?” When the couple nodded, the doctor waved to the waiting chairs. “Please, take a seat. Now. Further tests have confirmed that your baby will have Downs Syndrome. Based on the models we ran, we strongly recommend the following genetic edits…”
He pushed a dataslab across, and they readily bent over the report.
“While I do not wish to rush you, I must emphasise that the quicker we act, the better the prognosis for your child. Heart development is a delicate matter. Surgery remains an option, of course, but carries greater risk and presents far more impact to their quality of life.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Mrs Palmer said, one hand drifting to her belly. “I can’t imagine… I mean, obviously it’s better than letting them die of heart problems! But I can’t imagine putting my child through such suffering, and right at the start of their life…! No, I’m happy to sign off on splicing in a guaranteed healthy heart.”
Mr Palmer nodded vigorously. “We read the info pack on genetic editing after the first round of tests, and agreed that what matters to us is our baby being healthy. We trust your expertise.”
“Then we’ll get you booked in as quickly as possible.” The doctor smiled at them both. “Ah, I assume you also read the Down’s Syndrome pack?”
“Of course, and joined the linked parenting group. We’re planning a sort of ‘meet within a meet’ at the next local get-together, for all the currently pregnant folks. So we have a tighter-knit support group for when we’re all new parents.”
“We’re hoping our kids will all be friends, too.” Mr Palmer added. “I mean, naturally we want them to have all sorts of friends, but some true peers would be good for them, right?”
“Absolutely!” The doctor nodded approvingly. “Socialisation with individuals similar to one’s self is beneficial for building a robust sense of self. As you say, it should never be the only form of socialisation, especially for a child, but we recommend emphasising it, especially early on.”
The couple nodded, looking reassured.
“Well then, I’ll get the procedure booked, and hopefully you’ll soon have a healthy baby with a healthy heart for everyone to welcome.”

Prompt was “Genetics”.