Dear Editor,

The Spanish Federation for Down's Syndrome has protested against current abortion norms because it deems unacceptable the law that allows for an abortion when a foetus shows signs of disability.

After an announcement by the government to amend the current law regulating abortion, the organisation that advocates for people with disabilities demanded that the new law give equal value to the lives of people with disabilities, just as to those lives without disabilities. Recently, Spain's minister of justice ruled that legislative reform would focus on strengthening the protection of the right to life.

The desire of preventing the birth of human beings diagnosed with genetic disabilities is leading to the progressive employment of "pre-natal reports". If the report turns out to be unfavourable, an abortion is a "solution" for many. Such a case is presented by The Guardian. The London-based newspaper recently spread the word on the results of a scientific research study carried out by Cambridge University. The study examined the conduct of 235 teenagers during a period of eight years, starting from their pregnancy.

Some people may perceive that the option to conduct an abortion supports a woman's independence and freedom of choice. Others may ask if society is using pre-natal reports as inquiry tools to prevent the birth of physically and mentally handicapped human beings.

What are the values that are at stake during a pre-birth genetic analysis? Such values are: respect towards human existence (individual and collective), but most of all respect towards the disabled.

Meanwhile, a financial entity launched an ad campaign whose message is: The soul does not change. More than 100 years ago, restless souls travelled around the country to help people in need. In our company, our compromise is to be more willing to help and provide resources in order to improve our society.

For every 800 births, one is diagnosed with Down's Syndrome in women, aged 30-34. But what is strange is that there are hardly any Down's Syndrome births today. This represents one of the worst crimes of humanity, since innocent, defenceless, vulnerable beings are killed.

"My mother turned to the doctor during her second month of pregnancy. She was ordered to interrupt her pregnancy, but she went against the doctor's orders. Seven months later, I was born. Today, 1824, at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna, I debut my ninth symphony: my personal anthem for the joy of living, Ode to Joy", said Ludwig van Beethoven.

Clemente Ferrer

Madrid, Spain

clementeferrer3@gmail.com