"The science-fiction scenario of the film Gattaca in which babies are graded at birth according to predictions of future health is becoming fact." -- Anthony Ozimic
It was recently cited that a team of medical scientists has developed a testing system that could analyze more than 3000 genetic malformations simply by taking blood from the mother and a saliva sample from the father. While this may sound promising, the responsibility that comes with releasing such a powerhouse of testing is mind boggling.
Progressive medical technology is exciting and sometimes helpful in releasing scientific ammo to improve life as we know it. However, there is another side, a darker side. Bring into the picture those who care nothing about the sanctity of life. They care nothing about learning how to harness the knowledge we are given into positive, moral and ethical dimensions. They care only for their own wants. They may see these tests as an exciting avenue in perhaps having the perfect baby - free of physical anomalies that would cramp a desired "carefree" lifestyle.
That may sound crass, but it is true. There are those who are living solely for themselves. In the hands of those who are seeking an earthly nirvana, these tests could be the scientific path used to discard unborn babies who do not physically measure up to the coveted life of bliss sought by many. A child born with disease would be a harbinger of misery to those who are seeking only their own happiness.
Read this article from Life News.
WHAT IF the tests proved wrong? Recently, British medical specialists weighed in on the possibility of these tests being inaccurate, setting the stage for perfectly healthy babies to be aborted because of a mere test. Read the article HERE.
In the article from The Telegraph, one expert noted that tests of that magnitude (which revealed so much about an unborn baby) would put undue stress and fear into many parents. I agree.
When my daughter was pregnant with her second child and went in for the 20-week ultrasound, it was amazing how detailed the images were. The technician gave the condition and length of the baby's limbs, bone structure and targeted growth, even viewing the cardiovascular system looking for anomalies. As she was showing certain parts of the baby's heart, she found a single white dot (I am simplifying this in non-medical terms) on the baby's heart (which can be one of several possible indicators of Down Syndrome).
During this same ultrasound, it was noted that the placenta did not seem to be in proper place for a healthy birth. Another ultrasound was scheduled for later into the pregnancy to check the positioning of the placenta. This consuming amount of information obviously put stress on my daughter. Another friend recently had nearly the same diagnoses given her when she went in for her ultrasound.
So when is too much information TOO MUCH? And when is it helpful and productive when pertaining to the conditions of unborn babies in their mothers' wombs?
Should we as Christians continue to trust God with the gift of life? Or should we get caught up with the "need to know" sweeping our society?
Those are million dollar questions, my friend.
"You who have been borne by Me from birth, and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age I will be the same. And even in your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you. I will bear you and I will deliver you.
(Is. 46:3-4)
