Mags Gargan“Abort it and try again” says atheist writer
Down Syndrome Ireland has said it is “appalled” by comments made by atheist writer Richard Dawkins claiming that it is “immoral” to allow unborn babies with Down Syndrome to live.
The Irish charity, which is dedicated to working for the respect and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome as valued members in society, reacted strongly to the Oxford Professor’s comment on Twitter that a woman pregnant with a Down Syndrome baby should, “Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice”.
In a statement the charity said “we are appalled that a respected academic should make such hurtful comments on a public platform”.
“People with Down Syndrome can and do live full and rewarding lives, are loved by their families, and make a valuable contribution to our society every day,” the statement read.
Mr Dawkins further incensed people on Twitter saying, “If I were a woman with a DS fetus I personally would abort. So do most women in fact. If you wouldn’t, good luck to you, it’s your decision”.
Last month Dawkins was embroiled in more controversy when he took to Twitter again to write that: “Date rape is bad. Stranger rape at knifepoint is worse. If you think that's an endorsement of date rape, go away and learn how to think.”
Commenting on the subject of paedophilia he said: “Mild pedophilia is bad. Violent pedophilia is worse. If you think that's an endorsement of mild pedophilia, go away and learn how to think.”