Richard Dawkins on babies with Down Syndrome: 'Abort it and try again'

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Richard Dawkins on babies with Down Syndrome: 'Abort it and try again – it would be immoral to bring it into the world'

Budding atheists wondering whether Richard Dawkins is in need of a little time away from Twitter to reflect on the past few weeks are about to have their (lack of) prayers answered.

The philosopher has managed to go one step further than his controversial comments on ‘date rape versus stranger rape’ to voice his opinions on what it would be ethical for a mother who is informed that her unborn child has Down Syndrome to do.

He started off his conversation with followers ethically enough, highlighting the plight of women in Ireland, where abortion is illegal, in light of the recent reports of the country’s refusal toprovide a safe abortion to a suicidal rape victim. She was forced to give birth.

“Ireland is a civilised country except in this 1 area,” he tweeted, adding “You'd think the Roman Church would have lost all influence,” to caption a link to a similar article.

But after engaging in conversation with a number of users, his ethical values appeared to come a little unstuck.

“994 human beings with Down's Syndrome deliberately killed before birth in England and Wales in 2012. Is that civilised?” @AidanMcCourt asked.

“Yes, it is very civilised. These are fetuses, diagnosed before they have human feelings,” Dawkins responded.

“I honestly don't know what I would do if I were pregnant with a kid with Down Syndrome. Real ethical dilemma,” @InYourFaceNYer chimed in.

“Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice,” he tweeted back.

What a jerk.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/richard-dawkins-on-babies-with-down-syndrome-abort-it-and-try-again-it-would-be-immoral-to-bring-it-into-the-world-9681549.html

[GBCW 397]

this is why ahtiests should not be elected to public office.

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

No, it's why narcissists should stfu.

[GBCW 397]

i stand by original statement. athiests in public office is just a bad idea.

in fact, thats a constituional amendment worth considering.

[JohnR! 5,495]

His comment is as asinine as demanding that every pregnancy must be carried out to term, thereby denying women their conquered legal right to choose.

Edited August 22, 2014 by JohnR!

[Karee 4,189]

i stand by original statement. athiests in public office is just a bad idea.

in fact, thats a constituional amendment worth considering.

Yeah, we need more religious nuts in office basing their decisions for the rest of us on fairy tales.

[GBCW 397]

religious nuts will allow you to live despite your impefrections.

but i suppoe u like death panels you must love obama

[decocker 7,198]

i'm an atheist and i don't agree with dawkins. surprise surprise.

[JohnR! 5,495]

i'm an atheist and i don't agree with dawkins. surprise surprise.

I'm a Pastafarian and I don't agree with Dawkins either.

[Karee 4,189]

religious nuts will allow you to live despite your impefrections.

but i suppoe u like death panels you must love obama

Why should anyone "allow" me to live? What does Obama have to do with this?

[GBCW 397]

Why should anyone "allow" me to live? What does Obama have to do with this?

like sheep to the slotter

[Karee 4,189]

like sheep to the slotter

Seems cool. Sign me up!

http://freemobileslots.com/slotter-mobile-casino.html

[Teddy B 17,251]

I'm a Pastafarian and I don't agree with Dawkins either.

Ya mon!

[JohnR! 5,495]

Wrong farian!!! :rofl:

Ya mon!

[Teddy B 17,251]

Wrong farian!!! :rofl: