Richard Dawkins Stirs Controversy For Saying It's 'Immoral' To Birth Down Syndrome Children

Atheist activist Richard Dawkins stirred controversy on social media on Wednesday, arguing that it would be "immoral" the bring fetuses with mental disabilities like Down Syndrome into the world if the mother has the option of abortion.

Dawkins made multiple Twitter comments on Wednesday after fueling a debate over eugenics in regard to abortion and Down Syndrome. Dawkins, known internationally as an atheist activist, started the debate by posting a link to an article discussing Ireland's pro-life culture.

The militant atheist then engaged in a series of tweets that argued aborting a fetus that is detected as having Down Syndrome while still in the womb is "very civilized," adding "these are fetuses, diagnosed before they have human feelings."

"In point of fact, a majority of Down Syndrome fetuses in Europe and USA are aborted. What I recommended is not outlandish but the norm," Dawkins added in another tweet, arguing that he does not think humans with Down Syndrome should be killed after they are born, but rather they should be aborted if the genetic disorder is detected during gestation.

"Apparently I'm a horrid monster for recommending WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS [sic] to the great majority of Down Syndrome fetuses. They are aborted," Dawkins continued.

"I do not for one moment apologise for approaching moral philosophic questions in a logical way. There's a place for emotion & this isn't it," Dawkins added.

Dawkins'recent comments have sparked a firestorm of condemnation from many on social media, including NewsBusters reporter Matthew Balan, who reportedly has a relative with Down Syndrome and tweeted to Dawkins: "I'll tell you what's 'immoral:' suggesting that my cousin should have been murdered in the womb."