Termination of Impaired Infants

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of termination of impaired infants in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on termination of impaired infants and its relation with ethical concerns. The research also analyzes many aspects of termination of impaired infants and tries to gauge its effect on ethics.

Table of Contents

Abstract1

Introduction3

Description and Analysis3

When abortion is possible?4

Help with a difficult decision7

Consequences of abortion7

The physical7

Psychological consequences8

Living with a disabled child8

Special protection against dismissal for mothers9

Conclusion9

Works Cited11

Termination of Impaired Infants

Introduction

Abortion with the indication of disability refers to the termination of pregnancy, if in the prenatal diagnosis of serious illness or developmental disability, of the unborn is found. If it appears that the fetus has a malformation or a chromosomal disorder, a person is entitled to decide on an abortion. Since it is now possible to detect through amniocentesis and other tests whether the unborn entity will turn out to be physically or mentally handicapped, some argue that abortion should remain a choice for women who do not want to take care of such a child.

Another reason cited for advocating the aborting of the defective unborn is that it is better for such children never to be born rather than to live a life burdened with a serious mental or physical handicap.

Abortion performed on the grounds that the baby has a disability is usually regarded as being one of the most publicly acceptable reasons for abortion. Some polls suggest that as many as 75% of American people think abortion should be allowed for disability. In addition to the question of whether consent is obtained to pre-natal screening, the question must be posed whether women actually know about the disabilities which might be detected. In other words they may be making supposedly “informed decisions” about conditions they know little or nothing about.

Description and Analysis

The prenatal diagnosis is offered during pregnancy, there may be the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities and congenital defects in the fetus. Most tests for early detection of some disabilities are performed around week 13 of pregnancy. At this stage of pregnancy, the pregnant woman and the father often already established a relationship with the child to be born. Therefore, choice to terminate the pregnancy or continue with it is a complicated decision and, therefore, it is very important to be aware of everything that surrounds an abortion before the decision becomes final.

During the period preceding the decision whether to continue the pregnancy, parents are asked to answer several key questions. In various speeches, we have heard, read, several answers emerged to explain their choice. When meeting the parent whose child was born who was to have a disability, they tell they do not feel able to assume that child or that they had not the opportunity to assume the disability and what it represents for different reasons. For some parents, disability is synonymous with difficulties, sadness, and worries. They are referred to situations they may have seen or heard before and they ...