When knowing can be harmful
Posted by familysnows on 24 Apr 2007 | Tagged as: Down syndrome Awareness
Wonderful article from The Bismarck Tribune.
When knowing can be harmful
By WILLIAM SCHUH
Mandan
We are informed (Tribune, Dec. 31) that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is now recommending earlier and more frequent use of prenatal genetic screening for Down syndrome, because of new tests that are more suitable than amniocentesis for early use. Ostensibly, the purpose is to provide “peace of mind” for younger prospective parents.
Ah. “Peace of mind.” The soft-sounding sophistry almost slips by unnoticed. The wonders of modem medicine. Comforting all these young parents who are worrying themselves sick about a less than one-in-a-thousand chance of one possible disability. And they will be so relieved when told their child is fine. The fact is, I never knew a young parent that was preoccupied with a fear of Down syndrome, unless they were assaulted with irrational fear by some morbid jerk. There is nothing more conducive to natural joyful optimism than the wonder of a nascent child.
But what, may I ask, will the young parent do if the test is positive? Here’s the key. There’s no treatment; not one thing a person can do to change that genetic makeup — nothing except — I think readers are getting it now. It’s about early screening to destroy the child.
Now talk about peace of mind. Picture an optimistic young mother suddenly given the (unsolicited) results. At a time she has never felt more vulnerable, when she is experiencing morning sickness and emotional and physical ups and downs, and anticipating the agony of childbirth, she has this “comforting” news laid on her shoulders. And of course she’s told she has a “choice,” and it belongs to her alone. Under such conditions, nonconducive to objectivity, she is faced with the most horrific choice of her life; and not once, but every day. Her “counselors” offer it to her again and again, every time she feels frightened. And not for a brief period, but for the entire pregnancy — remember we are testing earlier. What’s more, there is vital information missing — the incredible joy that these gentle children bring is not something someone can tell her. She can only experience it — but likely it will be too late and she will never know.
Now picture a frightened, vulnerable mother, who wants to bear the child, being browbeaten, with support withdrawn by a panicking husband, for months on end.
Or how about a supportive and loving husband, who is determined to love and protect his children, trying to stay the panic of his frightened wife — or devastated by her determination to escape this “peace of mind” by killing his unborn child.
Some comfort, huh? Then picture bitterness, disrespect and even hatred between them after disposing of the child. Picture destroyed marriages.
I know what I’m talking about here. Our gift was born 20 years ago, and thankfully without the foreknowledge of amniocentesis. I know what fear is. I know what it means to feel devastated by a sudden turn from my expectations. I know, and even more my wife knew, what it means to feel vulnerable.
But I also know what it means to slowly awaken to and experience one of the greatest wonders of my life. No brutal prenatal “peace of mind” could have prepared our family for our Annie and the love and beauty she has brought.
This rude and invasive testing has nothing to do with “piece of mind.” It’s about eugenics and “the child as product.” Strip away the sweet smelling facade, and there’s nothing left but heartbreak and systematic screening for murder.
