Last week’s New York Times contained a guest essay from Ari Schulman, editor of The New Atlantis: A Journal of Technology & Society. Titled “The World Isn’t Ready for What Comes After I.V.F.,” we read of what’s potentially headed our way.
“Consider in vitro gametogenesis, or I.V.G., a technology under development that would allow the creation of eggs or sperm from ordinary body tissue, like skin cells,” Schulman writes. “Men could become genetic mothers, women could be fathers, and people could be the offspring of one, three, four or any number of parents.”
Likely or just the inanity of science fiction?
Enthusiasts suggest it’s inevitable and critics don’t necessarily disagree, but warn of the catastrophic things that will happen if it does.
Adding to the layers of complexity is the suggestion that people with “pro-natalist” ambitions are likely to embrace the developing technology as a means to turnaround the world’s declining population.
Schulman, who is no fan of the developing mad scientist-esque technology, isn’t so sure it will happen – but also suggests we shouldn’t sit idly and simply hope it won’t.
“We must let ourselves see the little ways that we are already living in the world sci-fi writers imagined,” he writes. “A world where we persuade ourselves that designing children to match our dreams is something we do for them rather than for us — and begin setting limits now.”
Bioethical lines are already being crossed on a regular basis with the destruction of millions of embryos in fertility clinics around the world. One of the primary problems of “I.V.F.” or invitro fertilization, is that far more embryos are usually created than can be implanted. When it happens, doctors evaluate and grade the embryos – a process that leads to many not making the cut, so to speak. They’ve actually come up with a cold and awful term for it: “Embryo Wastage” – and it adds up to million of killed embryos every year.
Focus on the Family believes concerns and objections to IVF can be reduced, but that married couples considering it should prayerfully and carefully research the issue.
Scripture is clear that God puts limits on us for our own benefit. We might be made in His image, but we possess neither his power nor His endless knowledge. And when God says “No” to us, we’re sometimes afforded the opportunity to partially learn why down the road.
My wife and I suffered numerous miscarriages in the early years of our marriage. It was gut-wrenching disappointment that seemed contrary to God’s nature. We prayed fervently for those children, and wondered why He didn’t agree with us. Simply put, the Lord had other plans.
Those other “plans” included the adoption of three beautiful boys. Had our prayers been answered exactly as asked, we’d never have the privilege of loving and raising our sons.
How many couples are missing out on similar blessings by recklessly pursuing designer-children via surrogacy or other unethical means? How much misery and mayhem await if “I.V.G.” technology emerges?
As we move ahead, the apostle Paul’s words remain timeless:
“Be very careful, then, how you live,” he wrote. “Not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:15-17).
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