Prenatal testing, Down syndrome, and selective termination : a (critical) criminology of genocide?

Ryan Thorneycroft

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter examines the relationship between prenatal testing, Down syndrome identification, and selective termination practices, and it does so by considering whether the selective termination of fetuses with Down syndrome might constitute genocidal practices. Methodology/approach – Exploratory and speculative in nature, this chapter brings the phenomenon of prenatal testing and selective termination practices together, and explores whether the increasingly widespread termination of fetuses with Down syndrome fits within definitions of genocide. Findings – Addressing perceptions of Down syndrome and disability, and integrating aspects of crip politics and definitions of genocide, this chapter concludes that the phenomenon of selective termination involving fetuses with Down syndrome can constitute genocide when particular definitions and interpretations are adopted. Originality/value – This chapter is perhaps the first academic text to critically evaluate the relationship between prenatal testing, selective termination of fetuses with Down syndrome, and criminological genocide scholarship.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDiversity in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
EditorsDerek M. D. Silva, Mathieu Deflem
Place of PublicationU.K.
PublisherEmerald Publishing
Pages167-181
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9781801170017
ISBN (Print)9781801170024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

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