Eugenics

Eugenics is a frightening word that most thought was lost in the past but recent events have caused concern. With the rise of prenatal screening tests across Europe and the United States, the number of babies born with Down syndrome has significantly decreased, but few countries have come as close to eradicating Down syndrome births as Iceland. Since prenatal screening tests were introduced in Iceland in the early 2000s, the vast majority of women -- close to 100 percent -- who received a positive test for Down syndrome terminated their pregnancy. Most everyone knows a family that has a Downs syndrome baby and these families attest to the love that this child has brought them. Spina bifida is often detected during the mid-pregnancy anomaly scan, which is offered to all pregnant women between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. With the right treatment and support, many children with spina bifida survive well into adulthood. It can be a challenging condition to live with, but many adults with spina bifida are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives. 83% of babies diagnosed with spina bifida are aborted. What does the future hold for babies with missing fingers or toes? What about gender and IQ? Is Eugenics coming back!