A world of understanding, kindness, and compassion

Birth Defects. Sounds scary?
It’s time for a change, then.
This World Birth Defects Day, we bring you #togetherwithkindness
A campaign where we all, in the name of humanity, come together to show compassion and kindness towards people affected by birth defects.

Wherever we go, birth defects are portrayed in a negative light.
Surrounded by taboos, many even see them as faults, and treat them casually and, at times, callously.
Let us say to them, “Grow up!”

They are called ‘Birth Defects’ for a reason.

Birth defects are an entirely natural phenomenon that’s not to be seen as a flaw or a weakness. We should treat it with dignity, and not victimize or blame people for what they’re born with.

It’s time we rise above discrimination!

Each year, more than 8 million children worldwide, and 1.7 million children in India are born with birth defects. It is quite a common phenomenon. 

All people with birth defects need, is treating them with
Understanding, Kindness, and Compassion.

Common birth defects

Birth defects may change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body, and cause problems in overall health. Below are the three most common birth defects:

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) 

People with CHD are not cured, even if their heart defect is repaired. As they grow older, further heart problems may occur. Families of the affected person have to go through additional medications, surgeries, or other procedures, and some may even need lifelong care to stay as healthy as possible and address health issues.

Down’s Syndrome

Most children with Down’s Syndrome have mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. Families face challenges as language development is delayed, and both short-and-long-term memory is affected. Due to slow growth, affected children remain shorter than other children the same age.

Cleft Lip

While most babies with cleft lip can breast-feed, mothers of the affected child with cleft palate may find feeding difficult. And, because the palate is used in forming sounds, the development of normal speech can be impaired by a cleft palate, leading to communication issues.

In Conclusion

As you can see, birth defects are not worth shunning or disrespecting people for. They are as natural as being born with a certain eye colour or being taller than others. Like all of us, people with birth defects deserve a better, safer place to live.

And the only way to make that possible, is through
Understanding, Kindness and Compassion.

#togetherwithkindness