Barbara Farlow
Within the health care system, Trisomy 13/18 is routinely considered to be a condition “incompatible with life.” The birth of such babies is unusual as most women choose to terminate pregnancy. Barbara Farlow knew her daughter had Trisomy and when she gave birth her daughter Annie was healthier than expected. Yet Annie only lived three months. Annie’s death made Farlow confront an unsettling reality: when you learn about Trisomy 13/18 it becomes evident that the label “incompatible with life” is a death sentence because it leaves many parents without hope, when much hope exists. Farlow has dedicated her research and writing efforts to change this incorrect assumption. To this end she has spoken all across North America and Europe. Most recently Farlow and a research team published a ground breaking article in which they found parents of children with Trisomy 13/18, considered their child to be happy and family life enriched by the child. This conclusion stands in opposition to assumptions about Trisomy 13/18 and demonstrates that doctors need to listen to the wishes of patients and their families.