Jerome Lejeune

Jérôme Lejeune Jérôme Lejeune is a very interesting saint in the field of science. He discovered the reason for Down syndrome, was awarded the William Allen Award, and started a major pro-life movement. I chose Jérôme because he died more recently, so I thought his impact on our world could still be the cause of many more questions that scientists are still investigating. He also inspires me because he helped people become pro-life, and I hope that someday I can do the same. Down syndrome is a disorder that can be the cause of problems in social skills or learning abilities, as well as different physical appearances. This disorder has been very common for years, but when it was first discovered, scientists did not know what caused Down

Chromosomes are genetic material that is present in every cell of all living things. They are responsible for cell functions, which eventually lead to body functions. Lejeune made an astonishing discovery in 1959 using advanced scientific techniques. He revealed that people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome twenty-one, which makes a total of forty-seven chromosomes. Scientists today are faced with the question: What causes this abnormality? Without Jérôme’s discovery, we would not be able to make advances in science with this disorder. Therefore, his discovery still affects our world today. Jérôme Lejeune received the William Allen Award in 1969, which is the highest award for genetics. To receive this award, one has to make advancements in the field of human genetics (“ASHG Awards”). However, Lejeune’s discoveries soon lead to complications for innocent unborn

Using DNA sample of a fetus, scientists can make a slide to determine if a child will be born with disabilities, or in this case, 21-trisomy syndrome, better known as Down syndrome. If doctors see forty-seven chromosomes in their slide, they can accurately diagnose the child with Down syndrome. Parents who are unwilling to care for a child with mental disabilities have a choice “to kill or not to kill” (Lejeune, Jerome). Sadly, not all discoveries move in a positive direction, but Lejeune was determined to decrease the increasing number of abortions around the world. He formed the pro-life foundation, the Jérôme Lejeune Foundation (Knap, Patty). Lejuene made many scientific discoveries, but he was also a very devout Catholic. He dedicated his life to God and taking care of people with mental disabilities. He has been in the process of being canonized since April, 2012. The Roman Catholic Church has awarded him with the title of “Servant of God” along with many other names (“Jerôme LeJeune Towards...”). It is no doubt that Jérôme Lejuene has impacted our world today. He discovered the cause of numerous disabilities starting with an extra copy of a chromosome. Lejuene inspires me to expand our world’s knowledge, while offering everything up to God. Works Cited

“ASHG Awards .” The American Society of Human Genetics , The American Society of Human Genetics , 2017,