Francis Galton: and eugenics today

The article begins by introducing Francis Galton and eugenics, "the use of science applied to the qualitative and quantitative improvement of the human genome." It explains how Charles Darwin influenced Galton's ideas and theories. Basically Darwin's theory freed him from the bonds of theology. However Darwin was critical of Galton's theory on eugenics, he said: "the greatest difficulty I think would be in deciding who deserved to be on the [eugenics] register. How few are above mediocrity in health, strength, morals and intellect; and how difficult to judge on these latter heads." Then Galton's application for a eugenics certificate is discussed. The categories seem silly to me, all of them asking for the applicant to describe his or her accolades physical and mental. The applicants are broken down into one of four categories: a. Gifted, b. Capable, c. Average, or d. Degenerate.  Then the article goes onto discuss the darker side of eugenics history in Nazi Germany.  German chemists biologists and scientists accepted these eugenics principles and eliminated six million people who were an "inferior race" as we'll as sterilizing 200,000 women. Finally the article discusses the recent brighter side of eugenics. New technologies have allowed for gene mapping and aim towards eradicating certain diseases.

I found this article very interesting especially Galton's qualifications and his survey for eugenics applicants. I was not clear on whether he had accounted any uses for capable or average persons. I also wonder if Galton's plan included the active eradication of the degenerate class, like the Nazis adopted the policy of. The article stated his views were distorted by nazi politicians. In a way eugenics still results in deaths today if one considers the abortion of a fetus with an affliction. Genetic disease and mutation are sometimes avoided today in society through these abortions.  I think this is a positive, it saves a troubled life from having a troubled life. Many people I know would disagree with me and most of my family would on this topic. Some more religious members of my family would consider taking the life of a mutated fetus to be murder of a life. Am I wrong for thinking these abortions are for the greater good? The Nazis thought they were in pursuit of a noble goal, making a better human race.  I don't think any healthy person should be put to death but one who is suffering and causes suffering for others should be considered. A fetus with that fortune, their entire life experience ahead of them, that seems preventable.

Francis Galton: and eugenics today