That's a very important issue.
In times gone by, family doctors and humane obstetricians would often quietly perform infanticide in cases of severe and tragic deformity auguring a life of suffering. I think that happens less frequently, thus adding to the sum total of human suffering, now. Litigation fears and impersonal medicine play their parts.
I admire those doctors (they themselves got nothing out of this act of compassion), and think that discussion should take place.
I've had a lot of exposure to this particular kind of misery, in my own family, with my daughter, and in the families of others.
I wouldn't wish it on anyone and I think those who don't live this should let those of us who do have the discussion about late abortion -- infanticide -- and the law in these special, and rare, "quality of life" situations.
It's a harder issue to penetrate morally, for me. The "slippery slope" danger is there in the same way it is in the case of assisted dying. The slippery slope is a real issue.
But I think it should be talked about.
Edit: I didn't address your question
her fetus could have severe developmental
abnormalities that would not show up until the sixth or seventh month - microcephalia, anencephalia, etc. Would she,
under the wrong circumstances, wish to bear that child? Would I want her to do so?
and my answer would be no, if I were she, and if she were my daughter, no.
And I know what I'm talking about. |
