Attention Quote by Ayelet Waldman
“I did not want to raise a genetically compromised child. I did not want my children to have to contend with the massive diversion of parental attention, and the consequences of being compelled to care for their brother after I died. I wanted a genetically perfect baby, and because that was something I could control, I chose to end his life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Birth of a New World” by Ayelet Waldman, 2015
The speaker chose to end a child's life to avoid perceived genetic and caregiving burdens, reflecting a desire for control over genetic outcomes.
In simple terms: She ended a child's life to avoid genetic and caregiving burdens.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical implications of genetic control.
Themes
ethics
genetics
parenthood
life
death
Mood
conflicted
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- genetic counseling
- family planning
- disability rights
- end‑of‑life decisions
Key Concepts
eugenics
moral dilemma
control
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do parents have toward children with disabilities?
- Can genetic perfection justify ending a life?
A Different Perspective
The decision ignores the child's inherent worth beyond genetic traits.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
