World famous atheist Richard Dawkins has said on Twitter that it would be “immoral” for a woman to carry a child with Down’s Syndrome to term, and advised a friend wondering what she would do in that situation to “abort it and try again.”
Dawkins has been roundly condemned by groups who campaign for the rights of the disabled.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Carol Boy, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, attacked Prof Dawkins’s remarks saying, “People with Down’s Syndrome can and do live full and rewarding lives, they also make a valuable contribution to our society”.
“At the Down’s Syndrome Association, we do not believe Down’s Syndrome in itself should be a reason for termination, however, we realise that families must make their own choice.
“The DSA strives to ensure that all prospective parents are given accurate and up to date information about the condition and what life might be like today for someone with Down’s syndrome.”
Dawkins’ original Twitter comments were made in the context of a discussion about Ireland’s abortion laws, which he said were ‘uncivilised’. In response to the question “994 human beings with Down’s Syndrome deliberately killed before birth in England and Wales in 2012 – is that civilised?” Dawkins replied “Yes, it is very civilised. These are foetuses, diagnosed before they have human feelings.”
In response to a question from a person on the autistic spectrum if her condition would be grounds for abortion, Dawkins went on to say that “People on that spectrum have a great deal to contribute, maybe even an enhanced ability in some respects. DS (Down Syndrome) not enhanced.”
A spokesperson for the Pro-Life campaign in Ireland told the Daily Mail: “These shocking comments by Professor Richard Dawkins are a chilling reminder of how easy it is for society to fall into the trap of deeming some human beings ‘imperfect’ and unworthy of life.
To suggest that unborn babies diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome should be discarded through abortion is deeply insulting to children with this special need and their families.”
