Pardon me as I wax philosophical here....
I see, in this thread, so many thoughtful and clearly formed policies regarding the underlying rationale of the source and OP.
Yet I feel some sense of 'action-reaction' in the argumentation. Almost as if (and I am spit-balling here) the idea presented, in and of itself, is a
threat.
It is not. It is up to each parent to consider and weigh this technical capability, what is reports, and whether that information has any bearing on
a such a decision.
Do you want to know what
I think, if it were me.... tough, I'm not saying. That matter's between me and whomever else I wish to include, not
larger social-engineering pressures. (Hopefully you get the metaphorical point I was making.)
Let's not pretend for this once, that the world is drawn in black and white. Let's this time, forget the adages based upon marketing campaigns, and
the larger message the world receives that "this is what everyone else thinks."
This perception that 'genetic disorder' is a 'drain on society' feels flat wrong to me. The human condition is jam packed with extraneous nonsense
that we have fabricated to appease our frailties. We needn't add to that with "meme" baggage about the genetically afflicted being somehow
responsible for the potential difficulties inherent in the human condition.
Part of humanity's condition is the very real fact that what drives the human to the greatest achievement and stride onward despite resistance is the
act of confronting and overcoming challenges.... few would dare compare their strength of character and personal drive, to a so-called "handicapped"
geniuses who not only far outpaced their peers, but also overcame disability for which others, similarly afflicted, have taken their own lives - all
while dodging the social stigma thinking like "drain on society" engenders.
I urge caution in complicating the issue, by inserting morality; a strength of human character, but a weakness in cultural interfacing.
As a rule of human nature, there are no rules.
We humans, unlike many of our fellow earthlings, frequently prove that.
I would prefer to think of the possibility that once such unborn children are discovered, the parents use the time to prepare themselves fully to
cope with the condition, as for making a decision.... they are not buying a car....
Many presume that abortion is clinical; they will base their decision on that (perhaps).
Many presume abortion is violent; they will base their decision on that (perhaps).
Many have an "order" or "tradition" which they choose to honor; they will base their decision on that (perhaps).
But notice.... it a choice.... does everyone agree it should be about not losing that choice? That this so-called eugenic principle is a "choice"
too. And that it should not supersede the "choice" of another, as that would engender tacit inequality.
I believe we desperately need to shed ourselves of the desire to 'right' and to embrace the possibility of hope.
Someday, other medical advances will be released to address the human condition; perhaps even in-utero-gene therapies and other mediation techniques
to help the future human. But without the ability to detect them pre-delivery; the most effective period of treatment may be lost. It is not the
knowledge that needs to drive the decision.... it's the human heart. Follow it.... at least you'll be able to sleep at night (there's an ironic pun
in there.)
How many of us might have been considered too high risk to deliver, or been seen as an insurmountable burden to a young couple? No one ever said,
life would be easy, or simple, or painless... and aren't we surprised when we find nobility, brilliance, strength, empathy, and joy where we were
certainly never expecting it?
edit on 9-6-2012 by Maxmars because: (no reason given)