You just killed Beethoven

A professor in a college ethics class presented to his students with a problem.  He said, "A man has syphilis and his wife tuberculosis.  They have had four children:  one has died, the other three have what is considered to be a terminal illness.  The mother is pregnant.  What do you recommend?"  After spirited discussion, the majority of the class voted that she abort the child.

"Fine," said the professor, "You've just killed Beethoven!"

Source: Tale of the Tardy Oxcart, pg 2