A young couple with Down syndrome are keen to get married and have children but their parents fear they will not be able to cope with raising kids.
Michael Cox and Taylor Anderton have been together for six years after meeting through their love of competitive swimming.
Now the pair from Queensland have told Australian Story how they’re keen to start a family.
‘We want to have four kids, we’re going to have three daughters and one son,’ says 25-year-old Michael.
But Taylor’s mother Catherine Musk says she and Michael’s parents are concerned they have unrealistic expectations.
‘Taylor and Michael want to get married and have children and that makes me feel very worried, apprehensive and concerned,’ she says.
Michael’s father Simon Cox said: ‘I don’t see parenthood being something that they’re going to achieve or really they probably should achieve.’
But Michael is adamant he and Taylor will have children: ‘It’s not that hard to have a kid. I know that some people say it’s all about hard work, but it’s not, it’s all about love and compassion that you have for your child.’
Experts say the chance of two people with Down syndrome becoming pregnant is rare. If they were to become pregnant there is a 50 per cent chance the child will have Down syndrome.
The couple’s story will feature on Australian Story tonight at 8pm.
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