False Compassion, True Discrimination

Abstract

The practice of prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion remains controversial both in society in general and especially within the disability community. For some, the termination of an unborn baby after a positive prenatal diagnosis would be the most defensible instance of abortion; others argue that this practice discriminates against those with a disability. In this chapter, I highlight the disability critiques of prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion to show that the fundamental commitment to the right to abortion frustrates the ability to challenge the assumption that some lives are not worth living. Next, I analyze two key terms of the debate on prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion—incompatible with life and compassion—to argue that much of the support of this practice rests on subjective determinations about quality of life and anticipated unbearable suffering based on the prognosis of a particular condition. I conclude by pointing to some of the much-needed resources for prospective parents after a prenatal diagnosis.