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LOL, yes I am a practicing physician. I have also played in various live bands throughout my life, most predominantly swing bands. When I subbed for this one rock band, the lead singer called me “swingdoc”. He has since passed away and my screen name is a tribute to him. TMI maybe?

There are examples of Down’s patients being able to give informed consent. Informed consent is a person’s baseline right, unless it is pulled from them by a third party. It is a case by case decision, but in a court case for example, if the person in question had been deemed able to give informed consent, I cannot see how exploitation would move forward.
It is all very interesting in this complex world we live in.

I am still happy for her. Even the most severe patients with Down’s have excellent self awareness (until later in life if they get Alzheimer’s) and a great understanding of their life and their role in their surrounding society.

That may be true. But as I said,I,as a juror,don't accept that *anyone* with Down's Syndrome can properly consent to certain things. And yes...in case you're wondering I'm a huge supporter of "jury nullification" in certain situations.A court may very well rule that this particular girl is fit to make any decision she wants as if she didn't have any mental/intellectual impairment. But I don't agree.

My attitude comes largely from the many interactions I've had with Down's Syndrome patients working for a hospital that I'll bet you've heard of.

Just sayin'...