True inclusiveness begins in the womb

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY but was not published.

I agree with Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and Nicholas Aw that the changing of mindsets is crucial in transforming low tolerance or acceptance of people with special needs into mutual understanding and respect ("New campaign focuses on greater acceptance for people with disabilities”; Feb 11, "Let us walk the talk on inclusiveness"; Feb 16). 

A study by Lien Foundation found out that while Singaporeans are supportive of the idea of inclusive education, it has not been borne out by action to the same degree ("S'poreans support inclusive education but do not walk the talk: Study"; May 30, 2016).  

As a woman with a physical disability, I am not surprised by the findings, because before birth, a child with a disability is already not accorded the same value as other unborn children. 

The Guidelines on Termination of Pregnancy state that "the contents of pre-abortion counselling may be adapted for women diagnosed with foetal abnormalities". The selective abortion of unborn children with medical defects is an indication of how people can fail to recognise the inherent dignity and value of people with special needs.

In October 2014, the Health Ministry referred to a routine foetal scan at 20 weeks of pregnancy to pick up structural abnormalities as one of the reasons to justify keeping the abortion time limit at 24 weeks. 

Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor added that keeping the abortion limit at 24 weeks "will allow these mothers some time to consider the implications and make an informed decision as to whether to keep or abort the child, without being rushed to meet a shorter cut-off time". 

The singling out of disabled unborn children to justify abortion is inconsistent with the Government's obligations to promote respect for the inherent dignity of disabled people under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Singapore ratified in July 2013.

There are legitimate concerns in raising a child with special needs but there is no legitimate reason to kill the most vulnerable member of our society. 

A "throw-away" culture will lead Singapore on a precarious path whereby the old and frail are deemed unworthy to live. True inclusiveness begins in the womb and mindset changes must be spearheaded by our Government.