Their argument follows that a fetus and newborn infant do not necessarily have an immediate right to life. In fact if that child’s life is to significantly impact upon the life of the mother or other family members, then it is those people whose rights prevail.
The etheicists, Alberto Giubillini and Francesca Minerva, are using semantics to change people’s thinking about this issue. Abortion is acceptable in the minds of many in society. Abortion is especially acceptable to those in society when a pre-born child is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, a heart defect or other condition. If it is okay to kill a child within the womb, then logic follows that it would be fine to kill a child presenting with these conditions after birth.
What this truely is and what it should be called is infanticide. It is murder of an innocent and can never ever be ethically right.
Society must stand up against this move to change our thinking and never bend to the whims of these so-called “ethecists”. Society must be prepared to do everything they can do protect the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Family Life International NZ does this through our Crisis Pregnancy Centre and our Therese Programme which aims to support families who have had a diagnosis of some sort prenatally.
Let’s call “After-Birth Abortion” what it is – infanticide.
The actual article which appeared in the Journal of Medical Ethics can be read here (abstract is free, full article will cost).
Email us for crisis pregnancy information (including adoption) or for support for your family during and after pregnancy with a child who has a non life-limiting condition (such as Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida) or a life-limiting condition (such as anencephaly or heart defects).