Preserving the Rights of Severely Impaired Children; an Argument for Neutrality on the Decision to Treat or Terminate

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The purpose of this paper is to argue that the decision of a parent to give birth to a child who will suffer from a severe or even lethal genetic disease is morally neutral. This is proposed on the basis that if the parent is acting in a way that they would treat themselves if found in the same situation as their child then they are preserving the humanity and personhood of the child. This decision should be made in a way that maximizes predicted good for the child as well as minimizes predicted harm. Strong arguments comprise both sides of the argument and the decision to terminate the pregnancy or carry the severely impaired child to birth carries a heavy burden. Arguments for abortion suggest that the diminished quality of life, pain of treatment, and cost outweigh the value impaired child’s and that abortion is the best utility to minimize harm. Arguments for birthing the child suggest that parents may be a poor comparison other for severely impaired children, that quality of life is inherently precious and should be preserved, and that the cost of birthing does not outweigh the obligation of society to care for all children. There are some important considerations for our topic of whether or not it is morally just for parents to have a child who will suffer from a lethal or even serious genetic disease after genetic testing reveals that the embryo is positive for the gene. First and foremost, the term child may to represent a fetus that may or may not be carried to birth in the case of a diagnosis of a disease. In addition, a criterion definition for what is to be considered a lethal or serious genetic disease is needed. For the purpose of this paper, a serious genetic disease will be defined as one that meets a combination of the following: quality of life significantly lessened, severely debilitating or painful symptoms, significantly shortened life

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