Is aborting a foetus because it may have Downs Syndrome the right thing to do?

Question

Hypothetically speaking.

I stress that I'm not in this situation!

Answer 1

I do not belive so. I believe that every baby is born perfectly. Eugenics are always, always wrong, who are we to judge who may live and who may die.

I want neither to judge nor to be judged. I would honestly change the law if I could. I believe that you should not force a woman to carry a baby to term. But aborting because of disease or defect is just so wrong.

Answer 2

This is just a moral minefield,

I would say that its not right or wrong, its a very personal decision only to be taken by the expectant couple under advice from their doctors, counsellors etc.

Its very well for people to say "no have the baby and have it adopted" but not only is that very hard on the biological mother (to go through pregnancy and birth - not easy - and then hand the baby over to strangers and never see it again), but in honesty how many people choose to adopt a disabled child? Sadly the majority of people are looking for able bodied children. what is no adoptive parent can be found - will the child spend their life languishing in institutional care?

I can see why a couple may feel they are unable to cope with a downs syndrome child - many downs syndorme children are never able to grow up totally and live independent adult lives (although some are), and I guess the main fear is of having this child utterly dependent on you, not just for the next 18 years but for life.

And then what happens when you die? Who looks after the child then if you are not rich enough to pay for excellent private care? If you are an older couple already when you fall pregnant - late 30s etc - this must be a real worry.

I would say that this is one of those occasions when the religious moralists should keep their views to themselves and allow the couple concerned to make an informed choice. Most of these people who like to shout about "baby murder" have either never been in the situation or are much younger, better off etc and would be more able to care for a disabled child than some couples are. Its not really up to them to tell other people what to do.

Answer 3

It's too wide a question to answer. I'm due in April and the thought of having a Down's baby doesn't phase me at all. I would just hope that it didn't have too many of the complications that CAN be associated with the condition in particular heart difficulties. I don't think there is an argument for abortion on the 'quality of life' issue here because there is no need for it to be compromised as far as the child is concerned. yes they reach milestones later. Yes they can have behavioural problems which require careful handling. SO CAN a 'healthy' foetus due to FAS, inappropriate upbringing, oxygen deprivation during birth, neonatal injury etc.
I work with both 'normal' and special needs children. Believe me, some of the most difficult are those who are biologically normal but who present with behavioural issues etc due to parenting, poor diet etc.
I just can't wait, Downs or not. I'm almost fed up apologising, when I say it may be Downs other people say 'Oh don't say that, hope for the best etc' and I just think. Thanks a lot! I love my baby regardless, just because you value them less if they're Downs then don't assume I woud.
God, trying not to sound like a rant!
If a person doesn't think they could cope with a baby in any situation they it is up to them whether they abort or not. I'm not preaching. It's just not for me.

Answer 4

Absolutely not! If it was, I would not be blessed with the most amazing little boy in the world. A little boy who laughs, cries, plays, learns, and enhances the lives of everyone he meets. He has and will continue to have a full and happy life. I believe that abortions performed because of a diagnosis of Down syndrome are never for the good of the child, but for the selfish reasons of the parent who has a warped perspective of perfection. You know, a person can have a perfectly "normal" baby who through some act of fate is rendered disabled in some way when he/she is older.... you cannot abort them then...why would you do it to an unborn child who just so happens to have an extra chromosome??

Answer 5

Its not a very nice subject for a hypothetical question.
I can speak from experience on this. But ours had "Edwards syndrome" (far worse)

The truth is there is no right or wrong answer to this. Its up to the parents involved to make the correct decision form them. Each answer has its own consequences.

We made the decision to abort and I do think it was the best of a bad set of choices. Its only later on when you have other children and enjoy their love that the guilt sets in. Its hard thing to live with as I am sure any parent can tell you. I still think under the circumstances it was ther correct thing for us.

I don't wish it on anyone. If any of you are going through this at the moment I wish you the very best. The only advice I can offer is trust your own instincts and own feelings. Everyone will have an opinion to offer. Ignore them all. Trust your gut and go with your heart.

PS: ANYONE WHO OFFERS ADVISE ON THIS SUBJECT HERE WHO DOES NOT SPEAK FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO GIVE ADVICE!!! (judging from some of the comments already posted)

Answer 6

I have heard of people who have had the test done, found out the baby would have Downs, and then aborted to find the child was healthy after all! What dummies! I'm pregnant, and won't have any tests done just for the sake of knowing whether or not to abort. It's up to the couple, but I think it's horrible.

Answer 7

I do not agree with aborting a baby because he or she will be born with Down Syndrome. My sister was born with it and she is a very intelligent girl she can function on her own and has gone to school even in regular classes not all special classes,she is now 25 and lives in a home with another girl just like her with 24 hr care for help. All babies should be given a chance at life regardless of what they are born with. I know that if I ever was in this situation I would deal with it regardless of all difficulties.

Answer 8

wow!!! you really opened up a can of worms here!!! let me tell you a little story......
On December 10th, 2003, I gave birth to the most beautiful little boy... He was born with down syndrome and a congenital heart defect that required surgery at 4 months old. he spent 19 days in the nicu after almost dying from the surgery. he was on life support and had over a dozen tubes and wires going into his body. my heart broke into a thousand pieces every time I went in to see him....but he eventually pulled through.
When I found out at 5 months pregnant that my son had DS, I cried for days...how was I going to raise a child with disabilities? and I mourned the loss of my "perfectly healthy" son. But looking back on these past three years...I wouldn't have changed a thing! I have a son who works soooo hard to accomplish life's goals, yes he does it slower than "normal" kids his age, but he does it! and you know something? he is a typical little boy! he is naughty just like normal kids, but on the flip side he gives his love so freely and completely it is scary at times.
I was given the option of abortion....and I thank God each and every day that I didn't do it....because I would have missed out on the most special of little boys!

Answer 9

Its a personal decision , but i disagree with abortion full stop regardless of any defects , but as i say thats personal . I have noticed an increase in Downs babies where i live and they are the cutest little things and also Downs children are extremely affectionate . I have 4 kids and never took any of the tests during my pregnancies for abnormalities ie Downs ,Spina Bifida etc .

Answer 10

Well, I would never test for Downs because you so often get false positives. However, I don't think I am strong enough to raise a Downs Syndrome child. I'd likely give it up for adoption (I say that now but I'd probably look into his/her eyes and fall in love).

Answer 11

There is a little girl who lives down the hall from me that has down syndrome and she is the cutest three year old I have ever seen. She is considerate and smart and extremely funny. I think one would just need a lot of patience and love but is that any different from a normal born baby.