Eradicating the Genetic Disorders
If Turner Syndrome were to be eradicated throughout the world (for this example: using abortion only), this would definitely not stop the mutation in any way shape or form. As Turner syndrome is a genetic mutation, not a mutation that is inherited by either one of the parents, it's a random event that can not be stopped. Instead of trying to abort the baby after several weeks of development there are ways by which parents can screen for any defects that their growing child might have, and ultimately prevent the defects, and the trauma of abortion.
These genetic mutated genes can be detected through Karyomapping. This will allow for the mutations in both a single gene defects and chromosomal abnormalities to be detected in one test, this is called prenatal screening. This current type of screening can detect up to 150,000 disorders. Through the process of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) immature ovum cells are taken from the mother, then fertilised in vitro. The procedure involves fertilising an egg outside the body, in a laboratory dish [1]. Once the ovum have begun to develop each is screened for any genetic disorders. The healthiest looking embryo is then implanted back into the mother [Figure 1.1] [2]. What Would Eradicating Genetically Defected Children Accomplish?The absence of genetically mutated children would have huge implications on the world as we know it, aside from the happiness and joy that all these children bring; thousands of people would lose their jobs, in particularly those who aid and teach in special education and those who are carers for these children. The English Federation of Disability sport state that 38% of people believe disabled people are a burden on society. Also that 180 disability hate crimes are committed every day in England. [3]
The remaining 62% of the population of England somewhat agrees that children with genetic defects do not hinder our society. The uniqueness and joy that these children bring to their families, some would call them their little miracle and feel as if they are blessed to have them as their children. Disabled children are unique and eradicating them from our society would in not enhance the people we are today. As it is shown that even if you're not born with a disability, one can obtained over the years. The rate for disabilities in England for ages 16-19 are 2.1% and increase dramatically to 78% by the age of 85 [4]. Girls with Turner Syndrome are just like normal girls, same tolerance of pain, same ways of going about life and both go to university - 40,000 disabled people graduate each year [5]. These children are able to do just as much as the average humans does. Children with these defects are initially held back - as they have to adjust to their circumstances e.g. injecting oestrogen into their stomachs everyday. The fact that they are able to overcome that and carry on with their lives like every other human is why eradicating them would make no sense. Being different is an opportunity, and Nick took that opportunity and made the most of it (See video). |
Nick's story is one of many, he is a man who was not born physically "normal" he has no limbs, but what he chose to do with his life has had a vast impact on many. Because of his story so many young people look up to him as a healthy and positive role model. He beat depression and bullying in his early years of life, and from that inspires thousands of people to live their lives, and gives them the confidence that they can conquer anything that gets in their way. However he does not make that impact through what he looks like, or what he doesn't have, instead he exemplifies what he does have and uses that to the best of his abilities.
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Ethical Implications of Early Detection; Abortion and Adoption
As previously spoken about in the Detection and Treatment tab, early detection is essential for getting the correct required treatment. The earlier the treatment; the earlier the process of hormonal injections can be started. Resulting in eliminating the physical traits of Turner Syndrome before its too late. However there are suggested alternatives when any birth defect is introduced into a mother's life. Sometimes due to unfortunate circumstances, a mother is unable to keep her baby, other alternatives can include abortion and adoption.
It can be detected as early as 10 weeks into the pregnancy whether the child has Turner Syndrome or not through Chorionic Villus Sampling (refer to Detection and Treatment). In Australia a mother can abort a child up to 14 weeks during the pregnancy [6]. As shown in Figure 1.3 by 8 weeks, the child is already formed; this is where the controversial and ethical aspect of abortion surfaces. Abortion is a very controversial topic, both socially and morally. There a various outcomes to abortion, a huge 54% of mothers experience some kind of post-abortive symptoms [7], which can include emotions of; guilt, anxiety, depression to name a few. On the other end of the scale some mothers are okay with the process and don't suffer after the procedure. It's different for every mother, some would prefer adopting the child out instead of aborting it. The mother can then choose whether they want an open adoption, semi-open or a confidential/closed adoption [8]. A closed adoption is where the child can never trace back to it's birth mother, because there is no information ever changed between the birth parents and the adopted parents. Every situation is different, every mother is different, it's about choosing what is right for the given circumstance. |
Reference list
[1] Medical News Today. (2013). What Is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).Available: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262798.php. Last accessed 15th August 2014
[2] Drew Halley-Singularity University. (2009). PRENATAL SCREENING COULD ERADICATE GENETIC DISEASE, REPLACE NATURAL CONCEPTION. Available: http://singularityhub.com/2009/07/21/prenatal-screening-could-eradicate-genetic-disease-replace-natural-conception/. Last accessed 14th August 2014
[3] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2012). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[4] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2010). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014 [5] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2012). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[6] State Government of Victoria. (2014). Types of abortion. Available: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Abortion_in_Australia. Last accessed 14th August 2014
[7] Catholic New Agency. (Unknown). Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS).Available: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/abortion/after-an-abortion/post-abortion-syndrome-pas/. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[8]Pearson Education. (2000). Open or Closed Adoption. Available: http://life.familyeducation.com/adoption/birth-parents/45775.html. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[2] Drew Halley-Singularity University. (2009). PRENATAL SCREENING COULD ERADICATE GENETIC DISEASE, REPLACE NATURAL CONCEPTION. Available: http://singularityhub.com/2009/07/21/prenatal-screening-could-eradicate-genetic-disease-replace-natural-conception/. Last accessed 14th August 2014
[3] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2012). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[4] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2010). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014 [5] English Federation of Disability Sport. (2012). Facts and Statistics .Available: http://www.efds.co.uk/resources/facts_and_statistics. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[6] State Government of Victoria. (2014). Types of abortion. Available: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Abortion_in_Australia. Last accessed 14th August 2014
[7] Catholic New Agency. (Unknown). Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS).Available: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/abortion/after-an-abortion/post-abortion-syndrome-pas/. Last accessed 16th August 2014
[8]Pearson Education. (2000). Open or Closed Adoption. Available: http://life.familyeducation.com/adoption/birth-parents/45775.html. Last accessed 16th August 2014