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Abortion Ethical Dilemmas

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After trying for many years, a woman was successful in becoming pregnant. As a component of one of her routine pre-natal appointments, she was tested for fetal abnormalities. A blood test confirmed that her baby has Down syndrome and her physician recommended aborting the fetus. Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that leads to intellectual disability, weak muscle tone and a unique facial characteristic. Down syndrome children often have increased risks for heart defects and other medical conditions such as gastric reflux. Taking care of a child with Down syndrome can be both mentally and physically exhausting. Taking care of a child with Down syndrome can be equally rewarding. Being faced with the option of abortion or raising a child with Down syndrome can lead to ethical dilemmas that can affect the lives of not only the child but the emotional well-being of the parent as well. The ethics involved in this decision are effected by the individuals’ worldview and their knowledge of the disease. A discussion on the abortion ethical dilemma will include understanding the ethical dilemma, core beliefs, and the resolution according to the Christian worldview, and a comparison to other views …show more content…

Parenting a child with Down syndrome can be as rewarding as parenting a child without disability. Consideration also needs to be given to the cost of raising a child with Down syndrome. The National Down Syndrome Society state children with Down syndrome are now living longer lives and may require specialized education, increased medical costs due to heart abnormalities, and long term physical rehabilitation due to the generalized weaknesses related to weak muscle tone. There is a substantial cost factor to consider when raising a child with Down

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