In a case of New Zealand Government’s attempt to stop early screening for Down syndrome during pregnancy, the Right to Life New Zealand and a group of parents of children with Down’s syndrome are taking the government to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The screening program enables women and their families to have information about their current pregnancy that enables them to make an informed choice about whether or not to proceed to a diagnostic test.

Ken Orr, a Spokesperson of Right to Life, has informed that the government is pressurizing women who are carrying a Down’s syndrome baby to have abortions. He has further told that the screening program is targeting babies with Down syndrome. The screening program will reduce the number of babies born with Down syndrome.

However, the program is being criticized by many who believe that the program is devaluing the lives of children. The $27 million program was launched last year. It is hoped by the government that the program will reduce 90% of pregnancies showing Down syndrome.

The programs like screening have been available in New Zealand since 1968. But it is for the first time when the program has been subjected to criminal court.