Aborting for a Serious Genetic Disorder 

James Blackwell is a physical therapist working in County Hospital. He has a patient, Tim Honeycut, who lives in Kentucky, but comes to the city weekly for physical therapy treatment. Tim, who is 9 years old, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that leaves victims chair-ridden by the age of 12 and dead by age 20. It is also associated with mental retardation, which will require special intervention by the dentist, the pharmacist, the home health nurse, and the special education teacher. Tim’s condition is terminal. 

Mr. Blackwell is called into conference with two physicians and Tim’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Honeycut. During the conference, it is disclosed that Mrs. Honeycut is pregnant again. Her obstetrician has said she is about 18 weeks. It is certain through prenatal diagnosis that the child, if delivered to full term, will be born with the same disorder. James Blackwell was already aware that the Honeycuts had another child, Jack, who died three years ago from the same condition. 

It becomes quite obvious to James Blackwell that the Honeycuts do not have the educational background to comprehend and understand the condition with which they and their children are afflicted. James Blackwell, like the other members of the team who are present, is asked to assist the physicians in convincing the Honeycuts to abort the fetus even though the pregnancy is quite advanced. Mr. Blackwell is torn by this request. Should he try to persuade the Honeycuts to seek an abortion?