My 13-year-old daughter, Moira, wants to know why UNC-Chapel Hill biology Professor Albert Harris believes a child with Down syndrome is such a threat to society that the mother should have an abortion. I certainly can't explain it to her.

Harris said that women 34 and older should undergo prenatal testing to determine whether a baby has Down syndrome and that the mother should abort the fetus if it does.

Would Harris also suggest that women have amniocentesis to determine whether their children have homosexual traits, brown eyes or annoying know-it-all genes? How does he suggest society determine who should be allowed to be born and who doesn't deserve that opportunity?

The potential for a less-than-average IQ should not determine whether someone lives or dies. Harris said a friend's life was "ruined" by having a child with Down syndrome. Perhaps that child should have been placed for adoption. There are many families waiting to adopt children with Down syndrome.

As the mother of a toddler with Down syndrome, I can see why. People with Down syndrome are some of the most loving and lovable people I've ever met. In the end, that is what really matters.

Mary S. Rider, Garner

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