The Case of Pre-Natal Diagnosis

Abstract

In this chapter, like all the further contributors to this volume, I want to turn to debates around Disability to reconsider how certain assumptions can be analysed to underpin and direct the arguments, and how this in turn may help to consider how Disability may be approached differently. Here, I will discuss further1 specifically debates around pre-natal diagnosis and Disability (the chapter in this volume by Ute Kalender also engages with aspects of prenatal diagnosis and reproductive technologies,2 but then specifically in relation to constructions of the subject in relation to sexuality and Disability). There is an important history in Disability Studies of resistance to, and criticism of, prenatal diagnosis because of its deployment to prevent the birth of disabled children.3 In my discussion I want to try and understand further what terms of condemnation or support the discussions around pre-natal diagnosis rely on. Similarly, in therefore necessarily also discussing the use of reproductive technologies I wish to try and understand more clearly some further implications of their use.