The Family Research Council, in congratulating Todd and Sarah Palin on the birth of Trig Paxson Van Palin, writes:If anyone can relate to the struggles of raising a special needs child in this unforgiving world, it's Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R). Last week, she and her husband welcomed their fifth child, Trig Paxson Van Palin. During her pregnancy, the couple learned that Trig would be born with Down's syndrome. A pro-family champion who has advanced the culture of life at every opportunity, Palin was faced with embracing this harsh reality in the public spotlight where she has so often lived out her personal beliefs.
Although it was difficult at first, Palin says she and Todd now feel chosen by God to raise "an absolutely perfect" son. In an era when over 80 percent of Down's syndrome babies are aborted, the Palins feel they have been extremely blessed. In a personal letter to her family and friends, Palin wrote, "Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this... Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed-up world you live in... Trig is no different, except that he has one extra chromosome." To the people who think that Trig shouldn't have been born, Palin says, "Look around. Who is perfect or even normal?"
Now back on the job, Palin is using her testimony as motivation to work even harder to protect unborn children. This week, she helped to bring new legislation to the floor that would ban partial-birth abortion and promote parental consent on minor abortion. A woman who has never wavered in her defense of life, Palin is off to a great start as an up-and-coming GOP governor with political skills and personal ethics. We congratulate the Palins on their newest addition and pray that their story is an inspiration to couples everywhere.
