Judges ban French short film that featured children with Down syndrome to avoid upsetting women conscience. Are pro-life films disturbing to women who previously had an abortion?
A French short film entitled, "Dear Future Mom," became controversial after it was banned by a French TV channel. The short film featured children who were telling future mothers that kids with Down syndrome can still live a full and happy life.
According to the TV channel, the film might be offensive to women who have had an abortion in the past. The Council of State backed the decision by ruling that the pro-life video clip might be disturbing for women who only made personal life choices which are in accordance with the law.
Research studies show that 80 percent of French expecting mothers who subsequently learn that their unborn child has Down syndrome choose to terminate the pregnancy. The statistics encouraged the TV channel to go ahead with the banning of the film. Subsequently, council judges decided to support the initial ban imposed by the French Broadcasting Council.
Jerome Foundation, a French research charity that specializes in genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome appealed the decision, says Daily Mirror. Its President Jean-Marie Le Mene said that by removing the picture of children who are happy despite their Down syndrome, judges have given an equal value to saving and destroying life. Mene adds that there is no shame in letting future mothers know that some women who chose to let their children live despite the circumstance can actually live a happy life.
The President of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation Sie Whitten also retaliated, saying that the decision was very much offensive. Whitten said the global community should join the French people in standing against this blunt discrimination.
Meanwhile, Abortion Rights chair Kerry Abel says that our society simply needs to learn to be pro-choice. Abel adds that the decision to terminate or carry to term a pregnancy, regardless of any sign of fetal impairment, is a woman's choice that we all need to respect.
Do you think banning the film was an appropriate decision? Feel free to share your comments below.
