Congenital malformationsNo one is immune to congenital malformations, but not everyone is equally susceptible to them. Birth defects are not just a medical problem. They have profound effects on the social and psychological well-being of their families and friends. During normal fetal development, cells migrate to their appropriate destinations so that organs and limbs form where they should. Usually genes work perfectly, but errors can and do occur. Some of the most common birth defects result from the interaction between one or two out of 100,000 abnormal genes that make up our identity. This is caused by genes passed down from parents or by drugs and alcohol on a newborn's fetus. Down syndrome, the most common genetic disorder formerly known as Down syndrome, “occurs in one in six hundred births worldwide” (Storm102). It is caused by a chromosomal error, where there is an extra chromosome 21. Instead of having two chromosomes like a normal individual does, there are three. Characteristics of these children include tilted eyelids, depressed forehead, hearing loss, dental problems, poor speech development. , heart disease and intestinal problems requiring surgery. Parents feel very helpless and guilty in many of these and similar situations, feeling abnormal. However, most can learn to walk, talk, dress and eat. Special work programs are available to help the child reach their educational level. These work programs also help eliminate many of the stresses that parents face. They no longer have to go it alone. Tay Sachs disease is another selective genetic disorder that destroys nerve cells. This leads to mental retardation, loss of muscle control and death. Children who inherit an abnormal gene from both parents will inherit the death. Carrier parents have one normal gene and one defective gene. Carriers of Tay-Sachs disease do not show any symptoms. “If two carriers have children, each child has a twenty-five percent chance of inheriting the defective gene (both parents)” (Strom 174). These children are unable to produce an enzyme that breaks down fats in the brain and nerve cells. The cells become clogged with fat and prevent the cells from functioning normally. After three to four years, their body dies. Sandra remembers very well how happy she was to have a little brother and what a handsome, h...... middle of paper ... you are wrong. “Since two hundred and fifty thousand babies with birth defects of varying severity are born each year in the United States” ( Gravelle 6), it would be difficult not to meet some of these people. Over the past few decades, many advances have been made to help understand the causes of these diseases, in hopes of finding treatments and cures. Efforts have also been made to find ways to help parents deal with their emotional devastation, as many accomplishments have been made. Parents are now finding ways to overcome their anger and frustration and maintain a loving relationship with their child. However, with a broader awareness of available information and treatment for drug addicts, families can come out ahead. Caring for a child is a difficult emotional and physical battle, but should always be seen as a gift, these children have, 1990.