Woman Who Aborted Down Syndrome Baby Reveals Selfish Reasons

A woman who aborted her Down Syndrome baby said the following:

“Mike and I had discussed what we would do if amniocentesis revealed a serious genetic condition long before the test. For us, the diagnosis of Down syndrome was reason to choose abortion. Our thinking was clear… We were eager to have a child, and prepared to change our lives  to make emotional,  social, and economic resources available. But the realities of raising a child who can never grow to independence would call forth more than we could muster, unless one or both of us give up our work, our political commitments, our social existence beyond the household…. No single family should have to shoulder all the burdens…”

Rayna Rapp “XYLO: a True Story” test tube women: What Future for Motherhood (London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1984)

This quote reveals the selfishness that is present in many men and women who wish to abort their handicapped children. They would rather have their baby dismembered in the womb than accept a child who might require more sacrifice on their part. In reality, most Down syndrome children lead happy lives. It is the parents who often are too selfish to let their children live, fearing extra work. Why do couples have the right to reject “imperfect” children? It is even more tragic when one realizes that there is a waiting list to adopt even Down syndrome babies.

Keep in mind also that Down Syndrome cannot be detected until partway through the second trimester, so these abortions are late abortions, often done after the fetus can feel pain while he or she is being dismembered.