Late-abortion comments from teen with Down syndrome stun Angela Merkel in this heartwarming video

Natalie Dedreux, a teen who suffers from Down syndrome, challenged German Chancellor Angela Merkel over late-stage abortions with their relation to the illness during a "Vote Debate" for the upcoming general election in Germany.

Her comments left the crowd applauding and put Merkel — who is pro-choice — on the spot.

Dedreux's impassioned plea

"Nine out of 10 babies with Down syndrome are not born in Germany," the 18-year-old said.

"They're going to be aborted," she continued. "A baby with Down syndrome may be aborted until just a few days before birth."

Dedreux added, "This is known as 'late removal.' My colleagues and I ask you ... where do you stand on the subject of late removal?"

"Why is it allowed to abort babies with Down syndrome until just before birth?" she pressed. "I don't think it's good politically. This topic is important to me. I do not want to be aborted, but to remain in the world."

Merkel's response

Merkel explained that she was raised in an area of eastern Germany where there was no support for families of disabled children, and noted that in modern Germany, one of the "great advantages of German unity" is the ability to "see what you could do with support."

The chancellor argued that her party — the Christian Democrats — battled for several years to require mothers considering late-term abortions to a mandated consultation.

According to Germany's The Local, Merkel "attributed the fact that so many parents opt for abortion to people being unaware of the support that is on offer to them if their child is born with a handicap."

"Everyone has so much potential and every one can do something for society,” Merkel said. "There is so much in each person's abilities and possibilities."

For your consideration

Tim Tebow. Pope John Paul II. Steve Jobs.

These three people would not have ever been born if it weren't for the fact that their mothers opted to continue with a pregnancy that they either did not want, or were advised to terminate.

Those three names are evidence in itself that any life — and every life — can impact the world just by being permitted to exist.