America Quote by Sam Brownback
“As I noted to my colleagues in the Roberts' hearings, in a year between 80 percent to 90 percent of the children in America diagnosed with Down's Syndrome will be killed in the womb simply because they have a positive genetic test which can be wrong, and is often wrong, but they would have a positive genetic test for Down's Syndrome and they will be killed.America is poorer because of such a policy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate Committee Hearing on Genetic Testing Policy, 2012
The quote warns that prenatal genetic testing for Down syndrome leads to high rates of selective abortion, often based on inaccurate tests, and argues this harms society economically and ethically.
In simple terms: Selective abortion based on faulty tests harms society.
Key Takeaway
Question policies and improve test accuracy.
Themes
ethics
genetics
public policy
disability rights
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- prenatal counseling
- legislative reform
- public awareness campaigns
Key Concepts
eugenics
risk assessment
healthcare economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance parental rights with societal impact?
- What safeguards can prevent wrongful abortions?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all positive tests are acted upon without considering parental choice or advances in testing.
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