Labour Leader David Cunliffe announced yesterday that former Alliance Party President Matt McCarten would be his new Chief of Staff.
The Labour Party has a number of noble principles, including the entitlement of dignity for all people, and the protection of basic human rights regardless of disability. Principles we hold dearly.
The thing is though; Matt McCarten thinks people with Down syndrome are not worthy of life. Now, that’s awkward for a Chief of Staff for a political party that promotes dignity and non-discrimination.
Last year on TVNZ’s Q&A show about new prenatal tests for Down syndrome, he had this to say in a panel discussion that followed an interview with myself:
“You know, when you talk about Down’s syndrome, for a woman to be told, you’re talking about 80% to 90% decide to terminate. It’s kind of a no-brainer. You know, you kind of get that.”
Did you get that? He said it is a no brainer to have an abortion for Down syndrome.
A no brainer, as in:
“An easy decision requiring little or no thought.”
Usually for, things like, not playing cricket in the rain.
Or having an abortion for Down syndrome, according to Matt. As if it’s easy for a women with a wanted pregnancy to go down that route after going to her midwife to prepare for the birth of her child.
Factually, he is actually wrong. And he is more than offensive in devaluing our children.
He’s wrong about the 80% to 90% statistic. In New Zealand around half of our pregnant women don’t even test for Down syndrome. Of the half that does test, accurate numbers that choose to terminate are not known. We have many parents here who had positive tests and continued with their pregnancies. Off course we do.
He’s offensive in devaluing our children. Suggesting that for parents it is a “no-brainer” to terminate for Down syndrome is hurtful to millions of families. It lowers the dignity of all of our loved ones who have Down syndrome, their families, and all those living with disability.
He even shows an ablest bias towards one choice over another.
And, he makes a mockery of the Labour Party’s commitment to human dignity and non-discrimination against those living with disability.
McCarten’s attitude towards those with disabilities is unwelcome. His senior appointment raises serious questions as to the credibility of the Labour Party’s basic understanding and commitment to disability rights.
I could say more, but I said it on Q&A before he spoke. Presenter Susan Woods wondered why I wanted to save Down syndrome. Maybe McCarten didn’t really listen and hear what I said in reply, so I’ll repeat it again:
“Because they’re a natural part of our human diversity, and that diversity is a thread that connects human beings as a community and a society, and it’s a part of what we are and we’re all connected, and we should learn as a society to embrace every child as they are, as a human being that holds dignity like everyone else.”
Which ironically, is not far off the Labour Party’s own principles.
If only their staff would abide by them.
Footnote: The full interview of Mike Sullivan can be viewed at:
http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/susan-wood-interviews-mike-sullivan-video-5390813
It’s such a shame. He seems to be the only unworthy person.
Matt Mccarten is it,well lets play with your parties words.Dignity you have none.Discrimination ,well it is obvious your very good at that.Human race ,your certainly an embaressment of the lowest kind.It is a shame that you are a waste of ,what the good Lord put on this earth.I guess at one point you had potential,you know to be a good descent person.Sorry that chance has gone
sincerly go F*** yourself
Your ignorant,is not worth replying two.
You are very lucky sir you are far away! Sir if I found you, you’d hear an earful!! these kids are the most lovable, most caring, most giving, kids any parent could ever ask for! They may not stand at the typical right time, they may not talk at the typical right age either but if you are hurting, “they’ll be the FIRST TO GIVE YOU A HUG & KISS NO Questions asked!!!” You are missing out on a great part of life Mr.! One of the biggest JOYS A PERSON/PARENT COULD EVER HAVE IN LIFE!!!!!! AMEN & THANK-YOU LORD GOD!!!
What a ___________ …. Please choose your own offensive word for this spot bit I know what I gave chosen.. I’m guessing thus ignorant, smug looking tool is in NZ? He looks like someone who’s face you would like to wipe that smug smirk off… Shame on you Matt for your ignorant outdated opinion. I bet The Kiwi’s are proud of you – NOT!!! He wins Tool Of The Week for our family…. Yep proud Mum of 2 here. One son has 46 Chromosomes, the other has 47…
oh-I see my link to the information about the “Warrior Gene” has been removed? Too inflammatory? I was just trying to raise awareness for the likes of McCarten that other devalued groups of people (this time violent Maori in gangs) face the same risks as people with DS with regard to be detected and destroyed pre-nataly=I thought it might give him and others some insight into the prejudice pre-natally detectable disabled babies face & perhaps make him/them think before they spout their discrimination far and wide. Looks like I won;t be voting Labour at this rate-their values and lack of morals regarding caring for the disabled and devalued worries me.
We haven’t deleted any posts on this thread Suzy? you did post about this on our Facebook page as well and it was left there too.
In 1970 I was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus I underwent the first of
several brain surgeries, each surgery cost the country shed loads of
money I haven’t currently had work for over 5 years partly as I have
been studying part time and partly because people
are scared of hiring someone with my challenges I watched, Gifted
Hands, today in order to inspire myself to study more so that one day I
can help kids worse off than myself. I figure we can all learn a lot
from kids who aren’t perfect so why get rid of them like rubbish.
Thank you! It is always wonderful to be able to help others, we agree.