Skip to content

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

#ProtectFreeSpeech

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

#ProtectFreeSpeech

Who:
Fondation JƩrƓme Lejeune

Where:
European Court of Human Rights

Advocacy Team:
Jennifer Lea; Jean-Paul Van de WalleĀ 

Topic | Freedom of Speech

“Dear future Mum: Don’t be afraid. Your child will be able to hug you, and to go to school.”

This was the joyful message expressed inĀ “Dear Future Mum”—a short video supported by Fondation JĆ©rĆ“me Lejeune, the organisation which has, for years, set the standard in research and care for people with Down syndrome. The video stars eighteen young people seeking to destigmatize their condition and speak about their experiences. Yet, after a French public authority deemed the video to not be a “message of general interest,” these Down syndrome voices were taken off air. Represented by ADF International, the Foundation brought the case to the European Court of HumanĀ Rights, which ruled on 1 September 2022 that the case was inadmissible.

Watch the video for yourself here:

Who:
Fondation JƩrƓme Lejeune

Where:
European Court of Human Rights

Advocacy Team:
Jennifer Lea; Jean-Paul Van de WalleĀ 

Watch the video for yourself here:

YouTube

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

"No matter who the child is, their mother can be happy! I urge everyone to accept people like me because we are no different from you."

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 ā€œDear Future Mumā€, begins by quoting an email from a pregnant mother, seeking advice. Her message read, ā€œI’m expecting a baby. I’ve discovered he has Down syndrome. I’m scared: what kind of life will my child have?ā€. 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 JĆ©rĆ“me 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 ā€œa message of general interestā€. 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 JĆ©rĆ“me Lejeune at the highest levels because every voice deserves a chance to be heard. 

Please, partner with us financially.

Your gift can support fundamental freedoms, including everyone’s right to freedom of speech, around the world.

Thank you for your generosity!

Share on Social Media

Related News and Updates

More ADF International Cases

Vitaliy Bak: Russia
Pastor Bak is challenging the Russian authorities for prohibiting his church community from gathering to worship in his home.
Pastor Keshab of Nepal
Pastor Keshab: Nepal
Pastor Keshab was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine after sharing gospel tracts and praying with fellow citizens in Nepal. He has appealed the ruling and is temporarily free on bail.
Nada and Hamouda: Sudan
A married Sudanese Christian convert couple is currently on trial facing baseless charges after they converted to Christianity despite the decriminalization of apostasy.

Get Involved! Sign Up to Receive Updates:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*