Valuing the Disabled

In their May 20 op-ed, "Haunting Echoes of Eugenics," Andrew J. Imparato and Anne C. Sommers of the American Association of People With Disabilities came close to equating a woman's right to choose if she wants a fetus brought to term with a state program to sterilize genetically unfit individuals. A fetus that can develop into a person with disabilities is a natural phenomenon, but that does not mean a woman must carry that fetus to term if she does not want to. The state must steer clear of imposing a societal standard.

There is wide support for people with disabilities and a desire to give them opportunities to enjoy more aspects of life. Yet Mr. Imparato and Ms. Sommers seem to have decided that fetuses with disabilities have legal rights that conflict with women's legal rights. I am concerned that such a contest could diminish public support for raising the funds needed to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities.

FRANK NICOLAI

Fort Washington

The writer serves on the board of directors of Melwood, an agency for people with disabilities.

·

I am a young woman with Down syndrome. I am so sad to hear about all the babies with Down Syndrome who are aborted. I think this is like genocide -- the systematic killing of a whole people or nation.

I have a full and wonderful life, and the world needs to know that I do not "suffer" from Down syndrome. Most people I know with disabilities have full and productive lives.

My heart breaks when I think that I might be part of the last generation of people with Down syndrome. The world will never again benefit from our gifts. But I will continue to hold hope for people with disabilities. And I will pray for all the people who think we don't have the right to live.

BRIDGET BROWN

Darien, Ill.