My thinking on disability and genetics has certainly developed over the
years.
My first challenges to the social model of disability came in my PhD
research, conducted 1990-1994. At that time, and in subsequent papers
(eg response to Liz Crow's paper in Coalition, 1992), I was concerned
that the social model neglected to discuss impairment. Most of my
papers since then have developed that line of argument.
The developments in my thinking on antenatal screening came when I
talked with parents who had had termination for foetal abnormality, when
I argued with a range of philosophers, and when I talked to clinicians
and scientists. I was unable to sustain the position that antenatal
screening was eugenic or fascist, because in my view the evidence and
arguments did not support that position, and so I changed my view. This
was not motivated by my employment situation or any other interests, but
by the desire to have an honest, consistent and adequate position.
Since 1999, I have worked for the University of Newcastle, developing
the PEALS Research Institute (www.peals.ncl.ac.uk) which promotes
research and debate on the social and ethical aspects of science. Most
of our activities are committed to enabling the voices of diverse
publics to be heard. We work closely with patient groups, disability
groups, and conduct high quality research on a range of issues. We work
closely with the medical and scientific communities in Newcastle and
further afield.
My PEALS work in the field of genetics has included the website
www.antenatalscreening.info which promotes balanced information about
disability and screening, as well as the Reproductive Choices,
Disability Rights Seminar in 2000, which brought together disability
activists, philosophers, social scientists and clinicians, and the
Screening the Gene seminar in 2003, organised together with Disability
North, which explored genetic discrimination. I have consistently
supported disability rights, in my publications and public appearances.
There are a range of views in the disability studies community and the
disability rights community:
Some people in favour of the social model, others against;
Some people against genetic screening, others supporting individual
choice
Some people in favour of the right of assisted suicide, others against.
My views are not unique, nor even rare. They are not incompatible with
promoting disability equality. We can argue about those views, but the
debate isn't served by personal abuse. I don't think it's necessary for
me to explain the personal background behind Shelley's current vendetta.
I am surprised that any philosopher should resort to ad hominem attacks,
rather than intellectual arguments.
Wearily
Tom
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