I personally would go further and say that, if your…
“I personally would go further and say that, if your morality is based, as mine is, on a desire to increase the sum of happiness and reduce suffering, the decision to deliberately give birth to a Down baby, when you have the choice to abort it early in the pregnancy, might actually be immoral from the point of view of the child’s own welfare.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If morality aims to maximize happiness and minimize suffering, choosing to bring a child with severe disability into the world may be considered harmful to that child's welfare.
In simple terms: Choosing to have a child with severe disability may harm them.
Key Takeaway
Consider the child's welfare before deciding.
Themes
ethics
bioethics
disability
parenthood
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- pregnancy decisions
- genetic counseling
- parental responsibility
- disability advocacy
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
consequentialism
welfare
rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal moral beliefs with societal norms?
- What responsibilities do parents have toward potential children's welfare?
A Different Perspective
The argument assumes a single moral framework and may overlook personal, cultural, or religious values.