Richard Dawkins: "Abort fetuses with Down's Syndrome"

Richard Dawkins on babies with Down Syndrome: 'Abort it and try again – it would be immoral to bring it into the world' - People - News - The Independent

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"994 human beings with Down's Syndrome deliberately killed before birth in England and Wales in 2012. Is that civilized?" he was asked.

"Yes, it is very civilized. These are fetuses, diagnosed before they have human feelings" Dawkins responded.

Someone said "I honestly don't know what I would do if I were pregnant with a kid with Down Syndrome. Real ethical dilemma"

Dawkins replied "Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice"

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I have a close friend with a down syndrome daughter. While I know it has been a challenge she is a wonderful young lady and they are a loving and happy family. I think they would be appalled at Dawkins.

The guy is void of a conscience and is self absorbed. You see compassion cant be shown in a petri dish and has no place in nature.He's a trained monkey whose views are just as dogmatic as many who call themselves Christians. His conclusion would be well there is no God so what difference does it make.

Women decide whats best for their health and well being not men. That is all he had to say. Instead he makes a moral inference like its something people ought to do.

Generally speaking, I think Dawkins is of sound mind and from what I have read and heard, I largely agree with the arguments he makes. However, this particular tweet just struck me as a little too callous and extreme. He seemed to be advocating the kinds of views that were all too common in Nazi Germany. We all say things sometimes in the wrong way or in an amended condition and maybe this was his turn. He has since semi-retracted his view, or tried to expand on it, but I still don't really agree with him. However, one strong view I have is that if you are to become a parent then you should be able to afford it and be in a stable relationship. I say that from the point of view of the child though and that should be considered before pregnancy.

Dick is spot on, IMO. The woman has the choice to do what she wants. But I totally agree with abortion IN ANY CASE THAT IT CAN BE DETERMINED THE CHILD WILL BE ABNORMAL IN A CLEAR WAY, IN A VERY CLEAR WAY SUCH AS THE ABOVE-MENTIONED.

Parents should have the choice.

Brilliant talent and happiness could be lost just because society does not perceive a fetus will not be a normal baby.

true about the talent, etc. bnut for me its not because of what society will think, fuck society, its becasue of the hassle, the medical bills, the extra burden ewmotionally, etc on the family and on the individual

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

true about the talent, etc. bnut for me its not because of what society will think, fuck society, its becasue of the hassle, the medical bills, the extra burden ewmotionally, etc on the family and on the individual

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That is why it is up to the family and individual.

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Originally Posted by Master

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

true about the talent, etc. bnut for me its not because of what society will think, fuck society, its becasue of the hassle, the medical bills, the extra burden ewmotionally, etc on the family and on the individual

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That is why it is up to the family and individual.

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agreed. Did Dawkins say it should be a state decision? If so I disagree with dawkins.

I disagree with him - not on his notion to abort Down's Syndrome fetuses, but his assertion that it was "immoral" to bring a Down's Syndrome baby into the world.

Me and my girlfriend talked about this subject before, and we agreed we would abort it because neither of us are up for the hardships and lifelong dedication required to raise a child with mental disabilities, because that child is going to be dependant on you for the rest of his/her or your life.

That being said, are people who have Down's Syndrome or other mental disabilities sad about their condition? Are their lives filled with any more sadness and suffering than anyone else's? Not really. The burden of the illness falls on the caregiver, not so much the person afflicted.

So I disagree 100% that it's somehow immoral, and think he sounded like a complete asshole.

The decisions to abort foetuses , on medical grounds remember should be up to the parents,
not the state if the state is in charge, what disability's would they class as to abort foetuses.
Man striving for perfection again in the eye of the state,!!! what happens in years to come
if they could tell you the IQ of your child, you abort if you get a thick fucker, extreme I no
but some people would do it.

When my wife found she was pregnant with twins (we already had 3 kids) we went through a barrage of ultrasounds and tests as we were in our early forties.
We were told after about 3 months that there was a 80% chance of my daughter having downs and a 60% chance that my boy would not survive the pregnancy or at least not long after child birth.
We decided to go through with it. It was a long 5 more months not knowing. Both of my babies are happy and healthy and are now 2.
If they were not would we have regretted not ending their life before hand? I don't think so. Our life is very tough and would be unmeasureably tougher I am sure but that is my story.
I believe in the right to choose even though I was raised Catholic. But I would have been deprived of two beautifull kids if I chose otherwise.
That is just my two cents from my experience.

We should not decide which child is not worthy to live.

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Originally Posted by Beanflicker

I disagree with him - not on his notion to abort Down's Syndrome fetuses, but his assertion that it was "immoral" to bring a Down's Syndrome baby into the world.

Me and my girlfriend talked about this subject before, and we agreed we would abort it because neither of us are up for the hardships and lifelong dedication required to raise a child with mental disabilities, because that child is going to be dependant on you for the rest of his/her or your life.

That being said, are people who have Down's Syndrome or other mental disabilities sad about their condition? Are their lives filled with any more sadness and suffering than anyone else's? Not really. The burden of the illness falls on the caregiver, not so much the person afflicted.

So I disagree 100% that it's somehow immoral, and think he sounded like a complete asshole.

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Good points. When you look at so called normal people and Downs Syndrome people its not hard to see who is the most natural and unconditionally loving out of the two groups.
They wouldnt put us down as fetuses even if they knew what heartless cunts 98% of us grow into.