Peter Singer, who is professor of bioethics at Princeton University and a noted moral philosopher, admits he does not regard unborn babies as having the same value as mature humans or even some animals, until they have acquired the ability to reason and have preferences.
The debate, released today, explores the basis for the value ascribed to human life and whether morality is discovered as part of the fabric of the universe and grounded in a source beyond ourselves.
It has been released as part of The Big Conversation series and hosted by Premier Christian Radio presenter, Justin Brierley.
Singer, who is well known for defending utilitarian ethics which seeks to maximise overall happiness said: “If the disability is Down Syndrome, typically something like 85 per cent of pregnant women will opt to terminate the pregnancy.
“I think that that’s a defensible decision and I think it’s a defensible decision because I think it’s reasonable to prefer to have a child without Down Syndrome than one with Down Syndrome.”
The ‘Animal Liberation‘ and ‘The Life You Can Save‘ author continued: “I think I attract opposition from people who try to maintain that life with disabilities is just as good and we should not, as they say, discriminate against people with disabilities. But obviously, as I say, most people do discriminate and I think that’s a justifiable form of…
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