Genetics and Abortion - Legality of Selective Abortion

Legality of Selective Abortion

In many countries, abortion is available on request up to a certain point in the pregnancy. Many countries do not take into account why the mother wants the abortion. However, any country that restricts abortion, also restriction abortion even if the child has a genetic defect. In a small number of countries, all abortions are prohibited. These abortions even include pregnacies that risk the mothers life. These countries include, The Vatican City, El Savador, Chile, and Malta. These countries do not allow abortion on any level, including if the mother's life is at risk because of the pregnancy. Most countries that even allow abortion do not allow abortions because the child has genetic defects. Countries that allow abortion if the mother is at risk but do not allow abortion if the child has a genetic defect include countries such as Iran, Ireland, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.

Not all genetic markers which can be checked are for disease, leaving open the possibility that where legal, parents may choose an abortion based on personal preference rather than avoidance of disease. In some jurisdictions, Sex-selective abortion is specifically prohibited, to maintain social stability against cultural norms which prefer one sex over the other.

The entire genetic code for a fetus can be determined at 18 weeks. The genetic testing is determined by taking the mother's blood and a swab of saliva from the father. In time the genetic testing will be able to identify over 3,500 different diseases but at this time can only test for four different diseases. Those diseases include Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Spina Bifada. Down Syndrome and Cystic Fibrosis are both large scale genetic diseases but Muscular Dystrophy and Spina Bifade can have hereditary elements. Many pro-life activists are concerned with genetic testing believing that it gives mother's excuses to get abortions. Genetic testing however, is used for more reasons than just genetic diseases. It is believed that eventually genetic testing will be able to provide the a wealth knowledge of the future health of the child.