ETHICS PROFESSOR: INFANTICIDE JUSTIFIABLE IN SOME CASES

By Elizabeth Day

January 25, 2004

Professor John Harris, a senior member of the British Medical Association's ethics committee, has provoked outrage by claiming infanticide is "justifiable" in certain circumstances.

During a Commons Science and Technology Committee consultation on human reproductive technologies, Professor Harris stated: "I don't think infanticide is always unjustifiable. I don't think it is plausible to think that there is any moral change that occurs during the journey down the birth canal."

The University of Manchester bioethics professor, who founded the International Association of Bioethics and authored 15 books on genetics ethics, endorsed infanticide in cases where genetic disorders remain undetected during pregnancy. He declined to specify an age limit for such actions.

Julia Millington of the ProLife Party called the admission "absolutely horrifying," noting that infanticide is murder under law. She expressed concern that a person with such views serves on the BMA ethics committee and advises the Department of Health.

Professor Harris defended his remarks, asking: "What has happened to the fetus in the time it takes to pass down the birth canal which changes its moral status? I don't think anything has happened in that time."

He argued that seriously handicapped or premature newborns are routinely not sustained on life support, calling for more honest ethical discussion. He dismissed "slippery slope" concerns, insisting good decisions can be made now and in the future.

Reverend Joanna Jepson, who is challenging late abortions for "trivial reasons" in High Court, called the views "frightening" and "shocking."

A BMA spokeswoman clarified: "These views of Professor Harris are personal views and do not reflect the views of the committee or the BMA, which is utterly opposed to the idea of infanticide."