The Stream

Richard Dawkins clarifies comments on abortion of babies with Down Syndrome

Online outcry over scientist’s tweet saying choosing to bring children with disorder into the world ‘would be immoral’.

Richard Dawkins’ suggestion to abort babies with Down Syndrome has sparked outrage online by many, including relatives of those with the disorder. The evolutionary theorist wrote a series of tweets answering a question about what to do if a woman is pregnant with a child who has Down Syndrome.  

In a blog post Thursday, Dawkins said he regretted using abbreviated language “which caused so much upset”. 

Here is the initial exchange: