The dictionary defines “Down”s syndrome” (formerly “Mongolism”) as the “abnormal condition of a child born with a wide, flattened skull, epicanthic folds at the eyelids and usually a moderate to severe mental deficiency and other organic problems.” Chances of a subsequent heart attack, according to medical authorities, are over 50%. Sarah Palin, learning that her pregnancy was “Down”s,” in the tenth week, elected to carry it to term (and be “mother” all the way) out of her commitment to a universal “right to life.”
Ms. Palin”s judgment, it seems to me, raises a question. While any child born with a birth defect should certainly be treated medically and supported in all ways through life by all of us ? does it follow that the human community, with due reflection, must always grant life to a fetus ? however organically deformed it may be? What kind of “right” is really bestowed ? when embryonic existence is tragically disfigured ? to establish it in life? What “right” have we ? to make such a decision ? for the fetus?
Norman Fleishman
Lakeport
