From the editor’s desk

As precious as any other

29 November 2008

Ten years ago, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales published "Valuing Difference", highlighting the importance of people with disabilities in the life and mission of the Church. Such differences are not valued highly in society at large; indeed, the Church is rarely so counter- cultural as in its approach to disability in the unborn. The commonly held view is that if fewer and fewer children with disabilities are born, then society has made progress. Progress it surely is if disabilities are eradicated through better diet for pregnant women, or through vaccinations against viral infections that cause abnormalities. But the termination of the lives of disabled foetuses is clearly not, in the eyes of the Church, a sign of advancement in a supposedly civilised society.

Despite the growing number of abortions on the grounds of foetal abnormality, those gathering at Westminster Cathedral today to mark the tenth anniversary of "Valuing Difference" will have some reason to cheer. Figures released last week reveal that the number of children being born with Down's syndrome has increased, not because of an increase in the incidence of chromosomal malfunction, but because more women are choosing to keep their children. After widespread pre-natal screening for Down's was introduced in 1989, the number of abortions rose. According to the chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, the recent rise in Down's births is caused by greater acceptance of these children. It is striking that in a society that places so much emphasis on independence, intellectual prowess and social position, growing numbers of parents are now willing to accept that a child who does not match these ideals is as precious as any other.

But society remains some way away from embracing disability in the way that L'Arche communities, founded by Jean Vanier, have done. L'Arche sees disability not as a problem to be solved but as an aspect of being human that needs to be understood. Vanier urges people to recognise the beauty of difference and the importance of vulnerability. Rather than marginalise those with disability, they should be at the centre of society. This is not a view shared by many of the medical profession. Many parents of children with Down's syndrome report that doctors seek to put them under pressure to have abortions with arguments verging on the eugenic. Parents are told that they are being irresponsible in bringing a disabled child into the world, that the child will be a burden on the NHS and other public services.

Given the fear that many prospective parents feel about disability, the undoubted difficulties parents of special-needs children face, and the problems that disability brings, it is understandable that many women turn to termination if health services are less than supportive. In the United States, a bill has recently been passed to help parents concerned about Down's syndrome. It promotes initiatives to give new or expectant parents up-to-date information about the condition and referrals to support services. A similar government initiative here would be welcome.

Churches also need to offer more support for disabled people and their families. Opposition to abortion of those with a disability needs to be matched with practical action, as "Valuing Difference" urged, and greater understanding of their spiritual needs. Ten years on, they are long overdue.