Today on Listen Up - The Baby Business, and where the options science creates are taking us.
The
natural work of having babies is becoming a complex journey of ethical
choices. Reproductive technologies, screening for genetic diagnosis,
and sex selection is creating a market for baby making that is moving
forward fast ahead of our ability to discuss what might be right and
what should be wrong.
Today, a university of the heart says
we’re on a slippery slope to wiping out a very valuable part of our
intelligence when we select for perfect babies. And, one woman’s
intimate road to motherhood. We’ll also talk with parents of Down
Syndrome children and hear their struggles and their triumphs.
Dr. Don Davis
President of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada www.sogc.org
Canada’s Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says
it’s time to give mothers of Canada more options about knowing
just what kind of baby may be growing in their womb…
Krista Flint
President of The Canadian Down Syndrome Society www.cdss.ca
When the news first broke that the Society of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists of Canada was about to recommend that all pregnant women
undergo screening for fetal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome,
families of Canadians with Down Syndrome were quick to point out such
screening could one day lead to an entire population being eliminated.
L’Arche is a community of disabled citizens who live out a
mission to teach love. In nearly 200 small homes and day settings
across Canada, caregivers and volunteers from diverse cultures and
backgrounds share deeply committed relationships with people with
developmental disabilities. These communities are called L’Arche,
and Listen Up traveled to one to learn what’s to lose when
science allows us to eliminate abnormal births.
Stephanie Cockburn
Our guest, marketing specialist Stephanie Cockburn, decided God was
also part of the questions when she began her journey to solve her
infertility.
Listen Up is looking at the ethical challenges of how to decide the
deeply personal issues around reproductive technologies. At
least 15 % of couples have some sort of fertility problem, and the
infertility industry is a three billion dollar unregulated market
place. It offers many services; from helping women produce more
eggs or harvesting fertile wombs who offer eggs for sale. The
baby business can fertilize eggs with purchased sperm, and sell hormone
treatments to prepare wombs to receive fertilized eggs. Nine
month rent of a womb can cost $20,000. The industry raises a
storm of controversy.
LU: What would be your advice for someone seeking reproductive technologies?
Stephanie: Seek God first...God will find opportunities to speak to you
and guide you… allow God to orchestrate the events of your life,
just listen sometimes (and) wait…
Special Olympics Oakville is affiliated with Special Olympics Ontario.
During the fall and winter, many sports programs are offered to the
athletes. They include floor hockey, basketball, rhythmic gymnastics,
five pin bowling and swimming. There are five programs during the
summer months. The athletes can enjoy soccer, track & field, golf,
t-ball or softball. The organization has over 90 volunteers servicing
over 150 athletes. They always welcome new volunteers to our programs.
The athletes enjoy learning new skills, keeping fit and competing
against other athletes of the same ability level.
Resources and Information on Reproductive Technology
Books: How to Make a Person
New reproductive technologies raise difficult moral issues.
Brave New Families: Biblical Ethics and Reproductive Technologies, by
Scott B. Rae. Reviewed by Brad Stetson, director of the David Institute. http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/1997/january6/7t1052.html
From Christianity Today.com Reproductive Technology articles
Unwanted Interruptions
Why is our culture so hostile to children-inside and outside the womb?
An interview with theological ethicist Amy Laura Hall http://www.ctlibrary.com/ct/2004/july/9.30.html
"Begotten,
Not Made: Pastoral Care for Couples Experiencing Infertility" is a
program developed by the Family Life Institute. The program manual is
used to aid dioceses in counseling infertile couples and provides moral
teachings on dealing with infertility. For more information on how to
start this program contact the Family Life Institute at 703-365-7281 or
visit their website www.familylifeinstitute.com.
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On April 30, 2005 Lorna was privileged to receive an honorary Doctorate of Christian Ministries from Canada's largest Christian university, Trinity Western University. Lorna was recognized for the witness and leadership that Listen Up TV has provided in public messaging: "a leader in the voice of evangelical life in Canada."
