“Dear Future Mum”: France censors people with Down syndrome on television

Case Summary

“I’m expecting a baby. I’ve discovered he’ll have Down syndrome. I’m scared: what kind of life will my child have?”

The video, titled “Dear Future Mum”, begins by quoting an email from a pregnant mother, seeking advice. Her message read, “I’m expecting a baby. I’ve discovered he has Down syndrome. I’m scared: what kind of life will my child have?”. In response, people with Down syndrome shared their stories, their joys, and their challenges to reassure the worried mother that life with Down syndrome could be fulfilling and enriching.  

For some time, Fondation Jérôme Lejeune shared this encouraging footage across various French media platforms. That was until, the French public authority for broadcasting issued an opinion to say that it was not “a message of general interest”. Subsequently, the state television channel refused to broadcast the video any more. The European Court of Human Rights, unfortunately, ruled that the case was inadmissible on 1 September 2022—a failure of justice for persons with disabilities and all concerned with the freedom of expression.

Freedom of speech is the foundation of every free and democratic society, and protected in international human rights law. Nobody should be censored simply for sharing about their life with Down syndrome. We supported the case of Fondation Jérôme Lejeune at the highest levels because every voice deserves a chance to be heard.