Sometimes the use of technology improves our lot in life, but at other times technology can take us down a path we should not go. Many countries of the world have the technology to check whether or not a fetus has abnormalities. Some of the tests are positive in their diagnosis, while others indicate the mere possibility of abnormalities. When told that their fetus has an abnormality, or even a possibility of an abnormality, high percentages of women abort. Statistics show that 67% of women whose unborn children test positive for Down syndrome in the United States choose to abort.
I read an article this week where I learned that Iceland is close to eradicating Down syndrome births. This is not because the condition has been cured, but because parents have decided to abort fetuses after being screened.
Jay Evensen wrote, "Do we want to live in a society where medical professionals, politicians, and social engineers determine what type of body or level of normalcy is worthy of life? Are we better off to ignore and downplay the insights, understanding and character traits that result from confronting and laboring with life's imperfections? Do we want a strict definition of beauty, value, and perfection?" (Deseret News August 20, 2017)
I started this post with a sentence about technology, but it is not really technology that is at fault in this situation, but rather the values and choices of humans. There are many factors at play, such as: our liberal individualism, our celebrated freedom of choice, older maternal age, smaller family sizes, peer reaction, public acceptance and lastly, ignorance. This trend, to abort babies that are not "normal," is sweeping the earth throughout industrialized countries and we should take note and be alarmed.
I for one, am against social engineering and the eradication of Down syndrome.
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