ll parents want to see their children marry happily and start a family. But when the couple has Down syndrome, the situation is profoundly complex.
Michael Cox and Taylor Anderton have been dating for almost two years and engaged for one.
The Queensland couple burst into the national spotlight in May when an ABC news video about their romance was viewed online more than 13 million times.
Michael and Taylor's parents have recognised the pair are happy together, but said they cannot support their dream of starting a family.
"Taylor and Michael want to get married and have children and that makes me feel very worried, apprehensive and concerned," Taylor's mother, Catherine Musk, told Australian Story.
Michael and Taylor have agreed to delay their wedding, but remain determined to eventually have children.
"We want to have four kids," Michael said.
"We're going to have three daughters and one son.
Disability advocates said the decision on parenthood should rest with the couple.
Queensland Advocacy Incorporated director Michelle O'Flynn said people with disabilities were entitled to "bodily integrity".
People … like Michael and Taylor are certainly entitled to the freedom to do with their bodies as they wish and that includes reproduction," she said.