U.N. Eyes World Down Syndrome Day

The United Nations is on track to officially recognize an annual World Down Syndrome Day starting in 2012.
A resolution to establish the awareness day on March 21 of each year cleared a U.N. committee by consensus last week. Officials say it will be adopted by the international body’s General Assembly in December.
The United States is one of 28 countries supporting the effort, which is spearheaded by Brazil.
Supporters said the date — March 21, or 3/21 — is significant because Down syndrome occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome.