The Truth About Down Syndrome (What Dawkins got wrong)

[mentalsolstice]

67. So let's dismiss a huge segment of society

Your argument takes us down a slippery slope. So they "may" develop Alzheimer's at an earlier age. However, we also know Alzheimer's can be hereditary, so should any person that has a familial history refrain from having children? And with so many other disabilities, diseases, disorders and conditions, that we now know can be passed down, hereditary or genetically. Alzheimer's runs through the paternal side of my husband's family, while I've got the double whammy of heart disease from both my mom and dad's families, as well as leukemia. So should our younger family members refrain from having children? My cousin has schizophrenia, however, her daughter had 2 children knowing it can be hereditary and can skip generations. Was her daughter's decision immoral?

For all of the disabilities, diseases, and disorders listed above, including DS, I can point you to people who made a contribution to society before they succumbed to what fate had in store for them.

I support a woman's right to choose in any circumstance, only she knows what her capabilities are to nurture a child with special needs. However, to say it's immoral if she chooses in way that you disagree with is no different than if you say you have negative opinions about affirmative action, gay rights laws, EEOC. ADA, VAWA, etc., you're on a losing side with true progressives. Caveat, opinions can sway legislation.

ETA, as science and technology progresses, we're going to know what we're passing on to future generations. The plus side, as with Down's Syndrome and other conditions, with that same science/tech hopefully we'll come up with ways to accommodate and accept the diversity amongst us.