Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post

Martian · 11-21-2007, 01:49 AM

1) Devil's advocate response

The human genetic pool has been degrading for centuries now. Natural selection is no longer a function of human physiology. An individual with Down's Syndrome or Asperger's (or yes, even a cleft palate) is less well suited to survival than a physically healthy specimen; should that individual survive to reproduce, they're are effectively weakening the human genome.

Note that this argument also applies to me, as a sufferer of Crohn's Disease.

2) Emotional response

It is, on the other hand, a slippery slope. For one, as you note, these individuals can certainly be productive and contribute to the welfare of the society they live in. Quite apart from that, how far of a stretch is it from cleft palate to other facial deformity, to club foot, to wrong eye shape? What if someone develops a way to test for hair colour? Would anyone seriously consider aborting a child for being blonde?

Don't answer that.

I don't know. I'm kind of conflicted on this. It is the parents' (not mother's, unless the father is not taking an active role) right to choose. That does beg the question however, of what informs that choice, and what is a valid reason for making it.

I don't have an answer for that.

11-21-2007, 01:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	1) Devil's advocate response The human genetic pool has been degrading for centuries now. Natural selection is no longer a function of human physiology. An individual with Down's Syndrome or Asperger's (or yes, even a cleft palate) is less well suited to survival than a physically healthy specimen; should that individual survive to reproduce, they're are effectively weakening the human genome. Note that this argument also applies to me, as a sufferer of Crohn's Disease. 2) Emotional response It is, on the other hand, a slippery slope. For one, as you note, these individuals can certainly be productive and contribute to the welfare of the society they live in. Quite apart from that, how far of a stretch is it from cleft palate to other facial deformity, to club foot, to wrong eye shape? What if someone develops a way to test for hair colour? Would anyone seriously consider aborting a child for being blonde? Don't answer that. I don't know. I'm kind of conflicted on this. It is the parents' (not mother's, unless the father is not taking an active role) right to choose. That does beg the question however, of what informs that choice, and what is a valid reason for making it. I don't have an answer for that. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame Last edited by Martian; 11-21-2007 at 04:50 AM..