Nazi comparisons are
everywhere these days.
...the SIR agency of the Italian bishops’ conference quoted him as denouncing the pre-natal tests that can result in parents choosing to terminate a pregnancy if the fetus is malformed or suffering other problems.
“Last century, the whole world was scandalized by what the Nazis did to purify the race. Today, we do the same thing but with white gloves,” the agencies quoted Francis as saying.
The pope urged families to accept children “as God gives them to us.”
On this point, at least, he is solidly within the norm of Papal remarks. Unfortunately, I don't think our age is primed to listen to him. It's also worth remembering that eugenics weren't just a Nazi thing; they were
beloved by the elite here in America, too.
Assuming ANSA and the SIR are citing the Pope accurately, he's aiming his fire at the wrong target. Families intending to have the baby rather than abort it could benefit from pre-natal tests that find that the fetus is malformed or suffering other problems. Such foreknowledge would give the family months in which to prepare financially, emotionally, physically, to join/generate support groups, all to increase the family's ability to receive and nurture the baby.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, the Pope is thinking with something other than his God-given rationality.
It can also be critical medically to know the baby has a problem beforehand. Surgery can be ready, special care can be ready. In some cases it might mean the difference between the child's life and death.
ReplyDeleteOTOH if the Pope's remarks are being quoted and framed inaccurately to promulgate a narrative, it wouldn't be the first time.