The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

Utilitarianism, especially as regarding people who are perceived to be different (people with disabilities and others), has been with us since the beginning of time in one form or another. Babies with disabilities have been killed by their parents since the beginning of time. But just because a practice is universal doesn't mean it's an ethical practice. At one time, slavery could be viewed as a utilitarian practice, but most of us would agree that slavery is unethical. To believe slavery is ethical is to believe that the inherent worth of slaves can be determined by those who are not slaves.

To believe that the killing of babies with disabilities is ethical is to believe that others can judge and foretell the inherent value of a human being. No one--not Singer, not doctors, not ethicists, not philosophers, and not even the child's parents-- have that wisdom or that right.

Utilitarianism, like slavery and other practices that reflect assumed hierarchies of human worth, is the essence of prejudice. Its practice is considered valuable only by those who have put themselves at the top of the hierarchy.

When my son was born thirteen years ago, he might have been considered one of the babies who Singer and others would have sentenced to early death. Yet neither my son, my family, or society has ever "suffered" because of his disability. On the contrary, he has positively changed our family and everyone he comes in contact with. When he grows up to be the reporter he wants to be, perhaps he can interview Singer and others of his ilk, and write a different story.

: -- Kathie Snow, Parent/Disability Advocate (posted 3/10, 11:08 a.m., E.S.T.)

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