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As a disabled feminist, I'm often asked about my views on medical procedures like pre-natal screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD (where IVF embryos are screened for genetic characteristics). Tests for some conditions, such as Down Syndrome, have become par for the course in recent years, and the list of conditions routinely screened for is growing all the time.
Most people accept that the purpose of such procedures and techniques is to identify and eliminate genetic conditions by terminating foetuses affected by them or, in the case of PGD, select embryos that are unaffected by the conditions for implantation and intended pregnancy.
Let me say upfront that as a feminist, I am pro-choice. I believe that women should have the right not to bear children they feel unable to parent, without qualification. But as a woman with a genetic condition, I can't pretend that conversations about screening for disability aren't uncomfortable. Screening foetuses and embryos for genetic conditions sends an implicit message that the lives of those of us living with the conditions are simply not worth as much...
Most people accept that the purpose of such procedures and techniques is to identify and eliminate genetic conditions by terminating foetuses affected by them or, in the case of PGD, select embryos that are unaffected by the conditions for implantation and intended pregnancy.
Let me say upfront that as a feminist, I am pro-choice. I believe that women should have the right not to bear children they feel unable to parent, without qualification. But as a woman with a genetic condition, I can't pretend that conversations about screening for disability aren't uncomfortable. Screening foetuses and embryos for genetic conditions sends an implicit message that the lives of those of us living with the conditions are simply not worth as much...