The term “eugenic abortion” is used for manipulation. How to talk about abortion? [WE EXPLAIN]

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After the judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal concerning the unconstitutionality of termination of pregnancy due to severe and irreversible defects of the fetus or an incurable disease that threatens its life, articles appeared in the media in which this premise is called abortion with the so-called eugenic causes. The use of this phrase is incorrect and additionally generates unnecessary negative emotions related to termination of pregnancy. How to write about abortion?

1. In 2019, 1074 termination procedures were performed due to severe and irreversible fetal defects or an incurable disease that threatened the life of the fetus.
2. The wording “eugenic abortion” or “eugenic abortion” is negative and has a deterrent and stigmatizing function against women who choose this type of procedure. It is also used by anti-abortion groups
3. More information about the ongoing protests related to the Constitutional Tribunal’s verdict can be found on the TvoiLokony home page

Abortion in Poland

According to the dictionary, abortion is a deliberate termination of pregnancy associated with the removal of an embryo or fetus. In many countries, abortion as a medical procedure is legal until a specific week of pregnancy and can be performed without giving reasons for the decision. In Poland, the so-called abortion compromise, which allowed termination of pregnancy in three specific cases:

1. when fertilization took place as a result of a prohibited act;
2. when pregnancy poses a threat to the health or life of a woman
3. when prenatal tests or other medical indications indicate a high probability of severe and irreversible damage to the fetus or an incurable life-threatening disease.

On October 22, 202, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that this third premise was inconsistent with the constitution and de facto prohibited legal abortion in Poland. In 2019, 1110 official termination procedures were carried out in our country, of which 1074 related to this specific premise.

A lot of articles appeared in the media in which journalists write that the judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal concerns the so-called eugenic abortion. People with right-wing views and circles called “pro-life” also talk about eugenic abortion.

Using this term subconsciously makes termination of pregnancy due to a lethal defect of the fetus or an incurable disease that threatens the life of the fetus something bad, unworthy, something that needs to be fought. Why should this term disappear from public space?

The health of the child has a large impact on the health of the future mother. It is worth considering purchasing and performing tests before starting to apply for a child.

Embryopathological, non-eugenic abortion

Eugenics comes from Ancient Greek – it means “well-born”. This concept refers to the selective breeding of animals and humans so as to improve species from generation to generation, especially inherited traits. The concept was introduced in 1869 by Francis Galton, Charles Darwin’s cousin.

Usually when we hear the word “eugenics” we are faced with experiments in Nazi Germany, racism and anti-Semitism. Therefore, equating pregnancy termination for embryopathological reasons with eugenics immediately makes it negative, perceived as something bad, as an attempt on life. It stands in opposition to the “defense of life” and thus becomes “killing the unborn”.

In 2016, the term “eugenics” in relation to termination of pregnancy due to fetal defects was popularized by one of the conservative American websites and was slowly gaining popularity, especially among people from anti-abortion backgrounds. The word “eugenics” took on an even more negative connotation, and abortion for eugenic reasons suggests that termination of pregnancy is performed due to the presence of an undesirable feature in the fetus. It is only forgotten that this “feature” is likely to have a severe and irreversible handicap or life-threatening disease for the fetus or newborn if it is born alive.

– Termination of pregnancy in the case of incurable fetal defects has nothing to do with eugenics. Eugenics is a practice aimed at improving the existing species by creating conditions that facilitate the reproduction of genetically valuable individuals and stopping the less “valuable” from reproducing – explained Dr. Natalia Jakacka from the Doctors for Women campaign in Polityka. – The prohibition of incest could sooner be called a eugenic practice, because the offspring of closely related individuals may be at risk of genetic diseases. A fetus with a lethal defect will not pass on its genes to the next generations anyway.

Prof. Romuald Dębski, who for years looked after patients with fetal lethal abnormalities, said that “the phrase ‘eugenic abortion’ is supposed to act as a deterrent and stigmatization against women and doctors”.

So let’s keep that in mind. The judgment issued by the Constitutional Tribunal concerned abortion for embryopathological reasons, i.e. termination of pregnancy due to the high probability of severe and irreversible damage to the fetus or an incurable life-threatening disease.

Remember that each case is associated with a great mental burden for both parents. That is why it is worth seeking the help of a specialist. Therefore, we encourage you to take advantage of a safe online consultation with a psychologist.

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