ABSTRACT
Thus far, I have considered two important ethical principles (or three, if beneficence is regarded as a distinct principle from non-maleficence, as opposed to the other half of a utilitarian yin and yang). This has led me to the following conclusions: first, that the principle of respect for autonomy provides a pro tanto reason for allowing prospective parents to choose as they see fit; and second, that the principles of non-maleficence and beneficence provide no compelling reason to curtail that choice, the presumably very rare occurrence of ‘worse then nothing’ lives notwithstanding.
