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If a doctor told you your unborn child has a 99% chance of severe downs syndrome, to the point where they would need constant care until the day they die. Do you think it's ethical to abort? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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Part 2: what if you found out their diagnosis 1 week after birth

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[โ€“] 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Is it ethical to abort a child with any kind of disease/syndrome that requires more resources, time, and money than the parents can afford? If we had rephrased it as an adoption, it would be inarguable child abuse for a couple to adopt a special needs child they have no capability of raising.

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  • [โ€“] 4 points 2 months ago (1 child)

    I don't disagree with you. Unwanted children do not have happy outcomes, especially those with disabilities. However if you are applying the logic of adoption to that of eugenics you should tread carefully. If society is allowed to impose restrictions on adoptions, why not biological parents? Perhaps pregnant women should have an income test? If a mother can't afford to feed her child should she be allowed to retain custody or have the baby at all?

    If a pregnant person decides they cannot afford it or aren't up for the commitment that's ethical. If a pregnant person decided to abort out of some pity for people with downs, well that's eugenics and ableist, so probably unethical. Pragmatically though the result is the same.

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  • [โ€“] 0 points 2 months ago

    Personally I interpreted the question as an individuals dilemma, I never intended for it to be a societal, or government sweeping legislation or expectation to abort any fetus with disabilities, just whether or not it was ethical for an individuals decision to abort. I dont think government or law should exist at all, so I wouldnt support any government restrictions on reproductive rights

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