Abortion
Abortion of Down syndrome Fetus
Amanda Hetherington
03/23/2015
Introduction
Support for the rights of the disabled people has increased in the recent times, and this has stimulated opposition to the abortion of abnormal fetus. In essence, legalizing the abortion of fetus with abnormalities has been construed as reinforcing discriminations against people with disabilities. The controversy over the question of aborting fetus with abnormalities gained greater attention when the ethics of terminating a Down syndrome fetus emerged. Some scholars believe that it is morally justified to abort such a fetus, while others ascertain that it amounts to cruelty and elitist to abort such a fetus. Parents carry the greatest responsibility when a fetus tests positive for Antenatal Down syndrome screening, signifying that they must have the final decision of whether they should terminate such a pregnancy or not.
The Ethics of aborting Down syndrome Fetus from a Utilitarian Perspective
The greatest opposition to the termination of a Down syndrome pregnancy emanates from anti-choice organizations. The organization argues that it is unjust to destroy a fetus because it is imperfect. According to the organization, terminating such pregnancies sends a message to the disabled people that they are inferior, and thus do not deserve to live (Furedi, 2015, p. 7). Moreover, the organization argues that eugenic abortion is primitive and an insult to the medical progress that has so far been made in the global era.
The question of terminating a Down syndrome fetus can be considered from the utilitarian perspective. Traditionally, the perspective has been revered as a taboo buster, going against assumed truths. Singer, an advocate of the utilitarian theory, says that the society needs to question inherited Christian thoughts about abortion. He believes that the society needs to subject all existing thoughts about abortion to proper tests. Singer is quite emphatic
Amanda Hetherington
03/23/2015
Introduction
Support for the rights of the disabled people has increased in the recent times, and this has stimulated opposition to the abortion of abnormal fetus. In essence, legalizing the abortion of fetus with abnormalities has been construed as reinforcing discriminations against people with disabilities. The controversy over the question of aborting fetus with abnormalities gained greater attention when the ethics of terminating a Down syndrome fetus emerged. Some scholars believe that it is morally justified to abort such a fetus, while others ascertain that it amounts to cruelty and elitist to abort such a fetus. Parents carry the greatest responsibility when a fetus tests positive for Antenatal Down syndrome screening, signifying that they must have the final decision of whether they should terminate such a pregnancy or not.
The Ethics of aborting Down syndrome Fetus from a Utilitarian Perspective
The greatest opposition to the termination of a Down syndrome pregnancy emanates from anti-choice organizations. The organization argues that it is unjust to destroy a fetus because it is imperfect. According to the organization, terminating such pregnancies sends a message to the disabled people that they are inferior, and thus do not deserve to live (Furedi, 2015, p. 7). Moreover, the organization argues that eugenic abortion is primitive and an insult to the medical progress that has so far been made in the global era.
The question of terminating a Down syndrome fetus can be considered from the utilitarian perspective. Traditionally, the perspective has been revered as a taboo buster, going against assumed truths. Singer, an advocate of the utilitarian theory, says that the society needs to question inherited Christian thoughts about abortion. He believes that the society needs to subject all existing thoughts about abortion to proper tests. Singer is quite emphatic
References: Baker, J. (2011, November 16). Philosopher Peter Singer, Ethical Theory, and Down Syndrome . Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-love-wisdom/201111/philosopher-peter-singer-ethical-theory-and-down-syndrome Furedi, A. (2015). Abortion for fetal abnormality: ethical issues. Retrieved from: http://www.prochoiceforum.org.uk/aad4.php Powledge, T. M. (2014, August 26). Should Down syndrome fetuses be terminated? Abortion, Richard Dawkins & morality. Retrieved from: http://geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/08/26/should-down-syndrome-fetuses-be-terminated-abortion-richard-dawkins-morality/ Reynolds. (2003). Down’s syndrome screening is unethical: views of today’s research ethics committees. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 56, 268-270. Santalahti, Hemminki, & Latikka. (1998). Women’s decision-making in prenatal Screening. Social Science Medicine, 46, 1067–1076.