It is theoretically possible, using modern genetic processes, to create a mouse that carries the gene for human testes or ovaries. While possible in theory, some say possible in practice, the question is, does it make sense?
It is theoretically possible, with two mice, each carrying the genetic code of a human being in their modified reproductive organs, to suction the gametes from each mouse and create a “test tube” human being, just as we bring ova and sperm together today through in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
Therefore, it’s not a far stretch to propose that mice with these modified genetic structures be allowed to mate, and create a human embryo within the uterus of a mouse. Sound far-fetched? Think again.
The question we find ourselves faced with, in these remarkable scenarios of biotechnology, is this: Just because we can, should we? If we can learn to grow human kidneys in pigs, or human livers in sheep, should we proceed down that path in medicine? 80,000 people need a kidney, and a third might die waiting for a donor. If we could grow kidneys in pigs, people would live. On the other hand, we might bring a porcine virus into the human population that could sweep like the plague through dense population centers, and nullify any benefit that swine-bred kidney brought us. Sound far-fetched? It’s not.
Where do we draw the line in the determination of what’s right, moral, loving, and compassionate . . . and what’s too dangerous to attempt? Twenty years ago, no one might have considered bearing a child to create the blood and donor tissues for a sister in dire medical need. Nevertheless, author Jodi Picoult’s novels about families, relationships and love have captured the imagination of many with her novel and movie My Sister’s Keeper, a story about a child conceived for the explicit purpose of helping save the life of a dying sister. That it does not seem remarkable we can do this thing, this conception of one child for the saving of another, says much about how far we’ve slid down this slippery slope of biological ethics.
Infertile? No problem. There are many options available to the couple seeking a child, and I applaud the desire of men and women to bring children into the world. Children are a gift from God. But where do we cross the line of enjoying God’s gift, and controlling the outcome to meet our needs? I would not deny any IVF family the joy of bringing their children into the world, but how far is too far? Is it appropriate to shop for a donor egg, a donor sperm, then a surrogate mother, and finally a wet-nurse to feed the child? We’re there, folks. It’s happening today. At some point, our technical abilities outstrip our ethics and then we find ourselves in dangerous moral territory.
Readers will gawk at this blog, in wonder that I propose we have moved too far too fast. But before you critique my “condemnation of progress,” do a little survey on the Internet. Shop for a donor egg, surfing through the many sites that offer you a broad choice of ethnicity, physical features and intelligence, with gametes for sale from beautiful women all over the globe. Check out the numerous sites where men offer to fly to the woman and inseminate her for a fixed price, men who brag that they “enjoy the experience more than the end result.” Shop for a surrogate mother, willing to carry your child for a fee. Where do we cross the line of altruism, and cross into Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World? I propose that we crossed that line long ago.
I commend medicine and biotechnology for the advances that have saved so many lives. But I’ve come to a realization that some advances may better be left in Pandora’s Box than released without careful prior consideration of their impact. It’s important for us to search out God’s will in this new world of medicine that we’ve encountered, and with each new tool we find in the biotechnology toolkit, ask the fundamental question: “Just because we can, should we?”
Better to ask, and prepare, than to dash into an uncertain future with no moral compass and no plan.
Such an important question to ask, Austin, particularly as technology goes crazy and speeds up. Somewhere we have to have a moral compass.
Austin’s questions reveal a great deal about where we must draw the line between trying to rationalize what we believe the bible is telling us and trying to be rationale in actions. We might believe that God has allowed these genetic advancements so that those who might not naturally conceive are able to become parents and anyone can interpret theology to convince themselves of that as well.
It is easier to judge when not in those shoes whether I would take any steps necessary to be a parent as well. Bioengineering is not necessary blatant in the Bible, but admonishing us to be content in all situations is…the fine line when trying to console a childless couple often gets skewed by emotions in wanting the best for them.
The questions just because we can,should we is truly a soul searching one when looking at a Christian worldview.
It’s a very sobering and scary time that we live in reminding me very much of what the pre-Flood days may have been like. “Knowledge is on the increase”, that’s for sure. I think we need to spend much time in prayer and to really depend on the Holy Spirit in these perplexing times. He has always been faithful and will continue to lead us in the present and into the future.
Austin Boyd’s Nobody’s Child is a thought provoking novel that twists real life characters in a contemporary situation. This insightful author
kept me at the edge of my chair throughout the entire book. Boyd’s ability to use language to share his story is a true God given gift.
If you are looking for a unique novel, check out Nobody’s Child. You will not be disappointed.
Fascinating article. No, just because we can, we should not. I lived under the shadow of a teaching hospital in a major state university. Research was key. The intellectual level of our little town was phenomenal. I also worked as secretary for the director of a research laboratory…. many years ago. They were study disease and hoping to be able to find cures.
My daughter also worked as an intern in the cardiac research laboratory assisting with rat studies. That, too, has been a few years ago. There is no limit where the mind of man will take him in his God-given abilities. Even if man does not recognize that his abilities are given to him by God. Man also has a madness to misuse that which his mind has manufactured.
Just discovered your blog site. Great to see you sharing your views in addition to your wonderful novels.
As I have always admired your solid mind, I find it interesting that you have chosen to address bio technology ethics challenges. While you bring up useful arguments, it has been my experience that most harm is the product of society imposing rules that can’t be governed upon the people who would choose to do otherwise. Case in point is our failing drug war! With abundant available drug users, no amount of effort will thwart those that would be suppliers. If natural drugs were legalized, drug and prison expenses would become tax revenue to support wayward drug users. As to women/human exploitation that you address, I believe that legalized and inspected prostitution would eliminate much of the depraved exploitation. As to the general notion of controlling the progress of technology, I submit that our laws should better embrace the evolution of technology while rationally protecting our citizens from unscrupulous exploiters of new technologies. In the end, there will always be a small percentage of humans that will be caught in undesirable consequences of human activity.
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