Every year the Christian faith celebrates the birth of a messiah in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Easter is our main event but Christmas captures our hearts with the story of a baby born in a stable. In the gospels of Matthew and Luke there is a sense that initially neither earthly parent was thrilled by the news of the pregnancy, although it is hard to argue with angels.
Stories about births have been in the news alot lately --muchos births! A 33-year-old woman in the United States gave birth to a veritable litter of eight children, all of whom have survived. The poor fetuses probably had to take a number. These octuplets join their six siblings for a total of fourteen children who will be raised by a single mother.
At first there was excitement about the first set of octuplets to survive birth for more than a week, but now there are growing concerns about the ethics of this situation. Why did a fertility clinic help a woman with multiple births when she already had six kids? How does this single parent without employment expect to raise these children in a way that is fair to them? What about fourteen children in one family when the planet is already suffering from overcrowding? Sure Celine Dion is the youngest of fourteen kids, but that doesn't make it right!
The Canadian story is a sixty-year-old woman with high blood pressure and diabetes who just gave birth to twins after going overseas for fertility treatments. Again, was anyone thinking about the well-being of these children or the planet they will live on?
In most of the congregations I have served couples have searched for solutions to infertility and sometimes found them. In certain cases fertility treatments have been successful. In other cases adoption has been the choice. Each of these situations have been unique, but thankfully none have been newsworthy because of their extreme nature.
Realizing that medical science has been able to aid many people who would otherwise be childless, what should we think about these situations where common sense seems to have gone on vacation. Should the state have a greater say in regulating fertility clinics and the choices of individuals?
Being the mother of multiples I have been watching these types of stories for years. I even wrote an article years ago that touched on the subject. I actually got a very angry letter from a reader. It's such a touchy subject. My personal view is that artifically producing mutilples isn't ethical. That may seem harsh but consider the health problems of very premature babies. The more babies the earlier they tend to be born, and the earlier they are born the more severe their challenges tend to be. Then there is the question of how much the goverenment can be expected to pay in terms of needed health care for 6 or 8 premature babies needing specialized care before they can be brought home where the mother will be dependent on the kindness of others (mostly strangers) for donations and persoanl care. A medical system all ready stretched to its limits. It is a tricky question, because selection is the flip side of the coin. Invitro procedures cost money and it is cheaper to implant several embyroes, than to risk no success as many embryoes don't take. Selection is abortion, so there's the fork in the road. I am not even against abortion, per se. There are situations where abortion, although not a choice I ever want to make, would fall within my own moral code. I thank God I was spared the decision when it was before me personally. (My own baby, had she been born, would not have had any self-awareness or ability to function because her spin was not attached)But why purposefully bring that moral dilema into being? I find it difficult to except such a decision, because having it forced on me was a personal torture. I think we live in a word where personal choice has become a kind of trap. (It is too much like "My will be done.") I think there are so many children in the world who need homes, and does it make sense when all things are considered to risk so much.
ReplyDeleteAs a couple who had difficulty concieving, we have been there, done that. For us it was a faith journey. Every couple has to make decisions based on what is best for them, however I could not bring myself to taking fertility drugs. There are huge costs attached, your body experiences all sorts of things and in the end you are not gauranteed a child - it's a gamble. Adoption was our route and we knew we would have a child in the end. We found this to be a very rewarding experience, and many times learned that God does work in mysterious ways.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many children in this world who do not have loving, caring parents, or who are in situations of poverty, political turmoil, war etc., that I feel that those who are not able to have their own children should consider adoption.
As for the state being involved, there are some questions around allowing a woman to give birth to 8 children. Unfortunatley I think due to this woman's circumstances she may find that her children are taken from her and in the end she may be asking, "What have I done?" "Was it worth it?" She may even look to the doctors and look at going after them as "it was their fault" or was it? Many questions to ponder. I am interested in hearing the CBS interview she gave that will be aired later this month.
As a member of the fertility clinics, I know the heart breaks and joys of going through the treatments. After seven years we were lucky to have our son. He turns 21 Feb.16. Adoption is not always an option for everyone - the decision is based on others preconceived ideas of you. The Ontario and Canadian governments regulate the clinics much better then in the States. I believe the state should have more control over regulating fertility. As Pupil says there is lots to consider. Just my 2 cents worth
ReplyDeleteThree really interesting responses, all based on personal experience. Thank you for sharing these perspectives on a subject which is sensitive and important.
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