Question

You've found out that the child you (or your wife) carries has the gene for dwarfism. A new therapy exists that may repair this gene before the child is born. What do you do?

a. allow the child to be born with the gene, and we will accept the child as is.

b. attempt the new therapy to repair the gene.

c. terminate pregnancy.

Answer 1

The decision of what to do when faced with a child who carries the gene for dwarfism is a complex ethical and personal choice. It ultimately depends on the values and perspectives of the parents. Here are the three options: allow the child to be born with the gene, attempt the new therapy to repair the gene, or terminate the pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decision of what to do when faced with a child who carries the gene for dwarfism is a complex ethical and personal choice. It ultimately depends on the values and perspectives of the parents. Here are the three options:

1. Allow the child to be born with the gene: Some parents may choose to accept the child as they are, embracing the positive aspects of dwarfism and the associated culture. They see it as their moral right and believe that intentionally causing a disability violates the principle of 'first, do no harm.'
2. Attempt the new therapy to repair the gene: Other parents may opt for the new therapy to repair the gene before birth, aiming to prevent the child from having dwarfism. This would involve using genetic manipulation techniques to alter the child's DNA and ensure that they do not carry the gene for dwarfism.
3. Terminate the pregnancy: Some parents may decide to terminate the pregnancy altogether, as they may not feel equipped to handle the challenges associated with raising a child with dwarfism.

It's important to note that the decision is highly personal and should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.