According to British researchers, within the next year a new test could be used to identify any and all of the 15,000 known genetic defects while a baby is still within the mother’s womb.
This test utilizes karyomapping, which basically looks for any abnormality in the baby’s DNA. Additionally, the test could identify chromosomal defects that would prevent the baby from being able to survive. The test has been used to correctly identify cystic fibrosis in both the UK and in the United States.
While this test is a huge step that would enable parents to know about potential genetic defects that would effect their child, there are concerns that this could be the beginning of a designer baby trend. Parents could theoretically eliminate the possibility of giving birth to a baby that is anything less that perfect, while at the same time, raising the abortion rate.
While it may be helpful to know about problems that a baby will have, where is the line that indicates that medical testing has gone to far? Parents who have children with special needs have often mentioned the blessing that their children have been to them and the life lessons they have learned from raising a child who does not fit the societal norm.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Association will set strict limits on what this particular genetic test can be used to test for. Potential disorders to test for include Huntington’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy and autism. Professor Tony Ruthford, chair of the British Fertility Society says that this test could very well be a Pandora’s box, but reiterated that the protocols allowing for very limited use of the test will remain strict.
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