In today’s world, where advancements in science and technology abound, we must critically examine the ethical implications of these innovations. One such area that demands our attention is prenatal testing, a practice that has increasingly been used to target the most vulnerable members of our society.
The Atlantic recently published an eye-opening article titled “The Last Children of Down Syndrome: Prenatal testing is changing who gets born and who doesn’t. This is just the beginning.” The article sheds light on Denmark’s genetic program, which was initially established with the goal of “improving the health of a nation by preventing the birth of those deemed to be burdens on society.” It is important to note that this program was, in essence, a eugenics program.
Did you know Alaska has its own Eugenics Program?
Denmark’s prenatal testing for Down syndrome began in the 1970s, with the primary focus being on saving money. The cost of testing was deemed less than that of institutionalizing a child with a disability for life. However, the marketing of the program has shifted over time, now claiming to offer women a choice. As a result, the number of Down syndrome live births in Denmark has drastically declined, with 98% of children thought to have Down syndrome being aborted. In Iceland, this number reaches almost 100%, with only one or two children born with Down syndrome each year.
It is essential to understand that Down syndrome is not a fatal diagnosis. The average life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome, if their lives are not cut short in the womb, is 60 years and climbing. Yet, in America, over two-thirds of those who test positive for Down syndrome in the womb are aborted. It is crucial to note that these tests only provide a statistical likelihood of a child having Down syndrome, and sometimes healthy children are mistakenly aborted out of fear or misinformation.
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The disappearance of Down syndrome children from society is not accidental. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that is present from the moment of conception. Nothing a mother does during pregnancy can increase or decrease the risk of her child having Down syndrome. It is, therefore, deeply concerning that so many lives are being cut short based solely on the results of prenatal testing.
Some may argue that excluding children with Down syndrome is progress toward a better, healthier society. However, we must recognize that true inclusivity requires embracing and supporting all members of society, regardless of their abilities. By sifting out those who may be deemed difficult to include, we are not curing or reducing the number of people with Down syndrome; we are simply eliminating them.
The loss of these individuals with Down syndrome is a loss for society as a whole. They possess a genuine and pure absence of guile, seeking to know if we can love rather than judging us based on materialistic measures. The worthiness of a person’s life should not be determined solely by a test result but by the inherent value of their existence.
It is disheartening to see that the decision to abort a child with Down syndrome is often framed as a “choice” for the mother or a political question to be decided by legislators. In reality, it is neither. It is a decision that impacts the life of a child who deserves a chance to live and be loved.
Some states, like Missouri, have taken steps to protect children with Down syndrome by passing laws that prohibit aborting a child due to Down syndrome. However, Planned Parenthood and other organizations have fervently opposed these laws, prioritizing their own agenda over the lives of these vulnerable individuals.
Furthermore, the use of prenatal testing to selectively remove unborn children from society has had particularly tragic consequences for girls. Girls with Down syndrome face a double disadvantage simply because they are girls. The ratio of boys to girls with Down syndrome is now more imbalanced than the gender disparity seen in China during its one-child policy.
While some countries have recognized the gravity of this issue and made it illegal to share prenatal testing results to prevent gender-based abortions, it is disheartening to know that in Alaska, it is completely legal to abort a child based on gender, Down syndrome, or any other reason up to the moment of birth.
The Alaska Children’s Trust presented a vision for the future of prenatal testing in Alaska, which raises serious concerns about predicting a child’s success in adulthood even before they are born. It is essential for those advocating for the lives of children in Alaska and beyond to confront the reality of our legal landscape. We must challenge the notion that a person’s worth can be diminished based on a test result. Every life is valuable, and we must fight to protect the rights of the most vulnerable among us.
Where Have All the Girls With Down Syndrome Gone (And Other Questions You Aren’t Supposed to Ask)?
As we reflect on this profoundly disturbing issue, let us remember the words of Carter Snead, who aptly said, “when [individuals with Down syndrome] meet you for the first time, what they want to know is ‘can you love?'” It is a reminder that love and compassion should guide our actions as we strive to build a society that truly values and protects every life.
FAQs:
Q: Is prenatal testing accurate in determining if a child has Down syndrome?
A: Prenatal testing can provide a statistical likelihood of a child having Down syndrome, but it is not always accurate. Healthy children can be mistakenly aborted, and some children who pass the test may still have Down syndrome. It is important to remember that Down syndrome is a genetic condition present from the moment of conception.
Q: Are there any laws protecting children with Down syndrome from being aborted?
A: Some states, like Missouri, have passed laws prohibiting the abortion of a child due to Down syndrome. However, organizations like Planned Parenthood have opposed these laws, prioritizing their own agenda over the lives of these vulnerable individuals.
Q: What can I do to support individuals with Down syndrome?
A: Start by recognizing the inherent value and worth of every individual, regardless of their abilities. Educate yourself and others about Down syndrome, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for inclusive policies that protect the rights of individuals with Down syndrome. Support organizations and initiatives that promote awareness, acceptance, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Prenatal testing is being used to target the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly those with Down syndrome. The widespread disappearance of individuals with Down syndrome is not accidental; it is a result of selective abortion based on test results. We must recognize the value and worth of every life and fight against the dehumanization of individuals based solely on a test result.
