Abortion and autism?

Question

would you have an abortion if you found out your baby was gonna develop autism?

Answer 1

I know many people won't agree but I probably would, especially if I had other children at home already. I know myself and I know that I cannot handle the care and patience that an autistic child requires. I have seen couples torn apart because their child had a disability that they could not handle and all it did was cause more pain and anguish for the child. My Aunt had to put her autistic son in an institution because she simply could not afford, financially and emotionally, to care for him anymore. I had another cousin who did keep her child but who spent so much time with the special needs child that her other children were very often ignored and neglected.

If I were to become pregnant right now and found out that the child was severely deformed or disabled, I would seek an abortion. I have a niece at home that I am raising and I could not sacrifice her needs to devote myself totally to the special needs child. Some people can do it and I applaud them but I know myself, I know my family, and I know that it is something that we could not cope with for long.

If the deformity or disability was going to cause a lot of pain or was very severe, I would choose to compassionately end the pregnancy before the child would feel that pain. If the deformity or disability was not that severe (and I was late into the pregnancy), I would most likely seek an adoption for someone who can cope with it.

But that's just me. You know yourself, you know your situation, and you know your family so you should make the best decision you can.
Peace,
Jenn

Answer 2

It is now presumed that autism starts prenatally. I have a brother with Asperger's syndrome (which is not as bad) and my cousin's GF has THREE children with autism (3 different fathers). I can guarantee, if there were a test for autism, I would terminate for many of the reasons the previous poster, Jenn, commented upon. Folks with mental illness are marginalized by virtually everybody except social workers, cops and family members. Autism is worse than many mental illnesses. They live a very sad, lonely adult life and I for one, would not subject someone to that deliberately. While people with mild Asperger's Syndrome can function in society, folks like my brother don't really live a life.

I would also like to point out that not a single right-to-lifer has ever offered to assist my cousin's GF, even for an hour for her to go grocery shopping. Bunch of hypocrites, IMHO.

Answer 3

There is no way to check for autism in a baby before they are born. Autism is something that develops later on.

I personally, would never have an abortion.

Answer 4

First of all no. Second-there is absolutely no way to tell if your baby was going to develop autism. That is something that can only be determined by certain tests after the baby is about two years old. There is no blood or genetic testing that can be done to find out because it is not in the blood and is not genetic.

Answer 5

no I wouldn't. I had to work with a autistic boy 2 years ago. He was so sweet. At first I did not know how to meet his needs, but I took time to research the condition. I was then able to better assist him. He was a wonderful little boy. I feel really blessed to have worked with him because I learned alot for him. Just because someone is not what society calls "normal" does not make them any less important than anyone else. After all what is normal? What is normal for you may not be normal for me or anyone else. Everything happens for a reason. Soemtimes we do not know the reason, but in the long run everything works out because we had faith. Don't lose hope on you baby because he/she may have a disability. The baby is just as precious, and is a special gift not every person is given.

Answer 6

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would NOT have an abortion for any reasons except if the baby couldn't survive out here like something seriously physically wrong with them. Like if their organs were on the outside or something...and that they wouldn't survive anyway. That is the only reason that I would have one. I am very thankful that I never had to deal with that though.

We have a friend and her son has autism and he is the sweetest child that you would ever meet. My friend NEVER regrets having him.

Answer 7

I would. My teenage stepson is a screaming, headbanging, diaper-clad severely autistic and mentally retarded child. No way would I bring that kind of suffering into the world if I had a say in it.

Answer 8

nooo wayy!!! 1st of all, there is pretty much no way to know if the baby was going to develop autism, and even if it was, some of the most intelligent, successful, intelligent people in this world have autism or other disabilities! how do you know your child isnt going to find a cure for cancer if you kill it?
good luckk =D

Answer 9

not because of the autism. i would have an abortion if i was too young and i couldnt handle the child on my own. i dont want to put the baby up for adoption instead because that would just put more babies out in the world without parents. there arnt enough families for the number of adoptees. abortion should be noones business but the womans. its her body.

Answer 10

I wouldn't have an abortion for any reason. I didn't have some tests done because I want to have my baby girl no matter how she comes!