My Disabled Body, My Choice
By Veronica Foale,
ABC
| 10. 02. 2013
eugenics
The study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits (negative eugenics) or encouraging reproduction by persons presumed to have inheritable desirable traits (positive eugenics). (Dictionary.com)
Although eugenics is widely condemned today, the practice of shaming disabled women for having babies continues.
Recently I was the victim of a comment implying that because I am disabled, I should not have had children. I'll leave aside arguments like the fact that I also pay taxes, and instead focus on the implication that I should not have had children because I have a genetic mutation that causes issues with mobility.
Some people would have you think that the responsible thing to do if you're a disabled woman is put a giant 'Out Of Order' sign over your reproductive organs. To them, not being able to work in a full time job means that I am of no use to the human race...
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The Center for Genetics and Society is delighted to recommend the current edition of GMWatch Review – Number 589. UK-based GMWatch, a long-standing ally, was founded in 1998 by Jonathan Matthews as an independent organization seeking to counter the enormous corporate political power and propaganda of the GMO industry and its supporters. Matthews and Claire Robinson are its directors and managing editors.
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