As a lover of science, technology, and even science fiction, I was amazed when I heard about the genetic test in development that could help to identify nearly 3,000 medical conditions - before the baby is even born. It is being touted as non-invasive to both the parents and the fetus. The science lover in me is in awe of people who are capable of developing such sophisticated technology that can examine and decipher the mysterious conditions of the human anatomy. As a parent of a child with developmental and medical issues, I am torn by reports of this new technology. On one hand, I find its possibilities exciting. On the other hand, I find its potential uses frightening.
The source of my son's developmental issues has never clearly been identified. Would I like to know what caused his issues? Definitely. A clear causation may bring a measure of peace. At the same time, by knowing the source of his condition, what questions or issues may that raise for our family? If it is genetically based, our son will need to question the ethics of having children of his own someday. Would he want to bring children into this world who may, or may not, face many of the same issues that he has had to weather. Additionally, just knowing that my husband and son both share a minute chromosomal duplication was hard for my husband to come to terms with. For a long time, he felt responsible, even though the doctors don't feel that is the source of our son's problems. If it were clearly identified that one of us was the source of our son's problems, could we find peace with that knowledge?
What will be the application of these new testing techniques? What will expecting parents do with the information revealed by such a test? Would I want to know that my child is destined to develop cancer or a variety of other illnesses, disorders, and conditions? I'm not sure. Do you then live your life in anticipation of the time when these events unfold? Does it make you more diligent or more reckless? As I watched the news report on this new technology, the story of the Tower of Babel came to mind. The people of Babel were so arrogant and pleased with their accomplishments. Are we reaching the point with technology where we are "playing God"? Again, I'm not sure.
Our eleven year old was watching the news with me when they covered the story that I am referencing. His reaction was immediate and surprisingly strong. Upon hearing the story, he said, "Why do they need to know that stuff? What difference does it make? Would some parents end the pregnancy if they thought their baby had something wrong with it?" I replied that yes, some parents may choose the terminate a pregnancy if something were wrong with the baby. We discussed the fact that many parents may have chosen to not have a child like his brother if they had know what life would be like with him. Vehemently, he declared, "That is wrong! Nobody loves life like my brother! Nobody loves people like my brother! Nobody loves ME like my brother! I think he even loves me more than you Mom and you love me more than anyone. He's happy all the time. The littlest things make him happy." And I thought, "Well said son. Well said indeed."
New technology and testing techniques are wonderful. Scientific advancements are awe inspiring. It's the application and the long term consequences of technology that can be frightening. I hope and pray that as these new tests are developed, they are used in ways that will benefit society. Additionally, while identifying problems early may be helpful to some, I also know through personal experience that weathering life's trials has helped me to grow in ways I could not have anticipated. Thank you Lord for your trials.
* My favorite part of Laura Story's "Blessings":
"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?
And what if trials of this life
The rains, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?"
** http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47710985/ns/health-health_care/t/new-testing-could-help-spot-genetic-disorders-fetus/
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