Leftists Feign Sympathy For Autistic Babies They'd Happily Abort

When former President Donald Trump announced that acetaminophen, the primary ingredient in Tylenol, could be linked to autism, reactions from various political factions highlighted a complex discourse on disability and abortion. Trump made this statement during a press conference on September 22, urging expectant mothers to avoid the medication unless absolutely necessary.

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In response, some left-leaning groups expressed newfound compassion for individuals with autism, asserting that the condition does not require a cure and that autistic individuals have inherent value. This shift in rhetoric has raised eyebrows, particularly given the historical advocacy for abortion in cases of disabilities like Down syndrome.

"Let us be clear — Autism is NOT a disease. It does not require a cure. It is not something to fear or eradicate. … Autistic brains are beautiful," stated a popular social media account.

The American Association of People with Disabilities, a nonprofit organization, criticized Trump's comments as eugenic, arguing that efforts to 'cure' autism perpetuate stigma and ableism. They emphasized that autistic individuals deserve to lead meaningful lives when supported and respected.

This newfound advocacy for autism contrasts sharply with previous positions held by some on the left regarding abortion. According to a Pew Research study from 2022, 68 percent of Democrats support abortion for babies likely to be born with severe disabilities.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently signed legislation expanding abortion access in the state, allowing for abortions at any stage of pregnancy for any reason. Additionally, he repealed a requirement for lifesaving medical care for infants born alive during an abortion.

Concerns have also been voiced by local Democratic leaders about the financial implications of caring for disabled children, with one former Massachusetts Democratic committee chairman suggesting that unborn babies with disabilities should be aborted to avoid costs to public schools.

Democrats have also pushed for the expansion of assisted suicide legislation, despite opposition from disability advocacy groups. A Pew Research study indicated that 83% of liberal Democrats believe individuals have a moral right to end their lives under circumstances of great pain and no hope for improvement, compared to 41% of conservative Republicans.

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-N.Y.) described assisted suicide as a healthcare issue, arguing that it aims to reduce human suffering. Currently, 11 states and Washington, D.C., permit assisted suicide, with most being led by Democratic administrations.

National disability advocacy organizations, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, have expressed concerns about the potential for coercion and misinformation surrounding assisted suicide laws. Ari Ne’eman, a former president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, highlighted the risks posed by broad definitions of terminal illness in legislation, which could lead to lethal prescriptions for individuals with disabilities.

The recent shift in leftist rhetoric regarding autism may reflect a political strategy rather than genuine compassion. Critics argue that if the left truly valued the lives of disabled individuals, they would reconsider their positions on abortion and assisted suicide. Advocates for disability rights maintain that true compassion involves supporting women in having healthy pregnancies rather than promoting the termination of pregnancies when challenges arise.