This post talks about a recent article on creating babies with the involvement of of a third party - the donor.
The procedure aims to stop mitochondrial disease which has proven to be fatal for the newborn. The technique involves adding the mother's nucleus which is removed from an embryo with mitochondrial disease. The nucleus is subsequently added to the donor's embryo which will be implanted back into the mother's womb and be fertilized by the father's sperm. The donor's nucleus will then be destroyed.
Medically, the objective is to save lives and allow parents who are genetically suffering from mitochondrial disease to have healthy babies. However, the church has a different outlook to the practice and deem that it is morally and ethically wrong to "play" God and alter DNA.
In addition, the church also claimed that the procedure is not safe and should not be allowed to take place as it has not been practiced on human. Moreover, they also claimed that there are ethical objections as it involves destroying of human embryos.
I see a life saved is a life gain. Medically we have come very far to combat new found diseases to save lives, even in a stage as early as the embryo. If the technique is safe and tested to be successful, is it not morally right that we should allow the practice to be passed so lives are saved? I have a religion and I believe all religion teaches us to be morally and ethically right. Is saving a life not the right thing to do?
What are your thoughts?
More on this story: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31063500
Only time will tell how dangerous this procedure is, or not. It usually takes years to discover any pitfalls medically. The church may see things differently in the future, their positions do change from time to time. Great subject!
ReplyDeleteIf we can over time rid the world of disease through this process then why not do it? If its safe and can produce healthy babies then in my opinion this is the way to go. My mother has Crohn's disease and it may or may not be hereditary but if modern medicine can guarantee me a healthy baby I will do this procedure with my partner. If she agrees of course. I know this is only for one disease at the moment but I was just looking at the big picture. Great post!
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