Friday, June 02, 2006

Discussion of the week- Episode one

In most developed countries, a pregnant woman carrying a baby with Down ’s syndrome (the inoffensive term for rather rude and irresponsible word of Mongol!), is allowed to have an abortion. In England as an example, more than 95% of women, trapped in this condition, have used their legal right, terminated the life of their unborn children.

There are many people oppose to that decision, among which many families who have first hand experience dealing with Down’s children. They’re arguing, having a slow or crippled rate of growth, even though in the brain, doesn’t make those babies any lesser form of human being and certainly doesn’t give us the right to terminate their lives and some of these babies, having a chance to lead their lives, can live a long, happy one and can bring joy to their families as well. Depriving them from living, is killing someone just for being different.

Considering the fact that our world is being ruled by people with much more serious brain defects than Down’s syndrome, it seems not a bad argument. (Just kidding!)

On the other side of the spectrum, many believe that the life of the one with this syndrome is a wretched one, not only for the person alone, but for the family who will be doomed to bear an excruciating life-long responsibility. They also argue that, since some of these patients will outlive their parents, the devastating duty will eventually fall off on the shoulders of their brothers and sisters, who had no control over the decision in the first place. So it’s the right of every family, not to be forced, at least, to accept this huge task. Adding to this, most of these children, would suffer from serious physical defects throughout their lives and frequently should be subjected to some painful surgeries, which makes the life even more difficult for them and their families.

What do you think? Should parents be allowed to terminate the life of the fetus, knowing that the baby will be born with Down’s syndrome? And if you were in the same situation, would you do that?

Discussion of the week- Introduction

As an attempt to make this blog, a bit more active and reciprocal, I planed to add another segment called “Discussion of the week”. In this section, you are welcome to comment on a rather controversial topic, introduced by me, every Friday night.
For the sake of discussion, more controversial, politically incorrect, stimulating and even devil’s advocate-type of ideas will be immensely appreciated.

Also to make it possible for the readers to follow the discussions, I’d appreciate that even if you don’t want to put your real name there, make a fake ID and use it constantly but please do not leave comments under the title of Anonymous!

P.S. Since all the ideas and comments will be published uncensored, I will accept absolutely no responsibility over their contents whatsoever.
Check out Iran’s national team super cool football gear in Pendar’s super cool website. A brilliant and talented friend of mine that I absolutely can not figure out, why the hell is studying engineering?!
Maz Jobrani’s stand up. His stuff about being Iranian or Persian is hilarious!