WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)–Should parents intentionally ensure their child is born with a defect? According to a survey of fertility clinics conducted by Johns Hopkins University’s Genetics and Public Policy Center, three percent of clinics reported that embryo screening, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis, has been used for precisely this purpose –- deliberately choosing a fertilized egg that tested positive for a particular defect, such as dwarfism.
Embryo screening is performed in the laboratory with in vitro fertilization after the embryos have developed sufficiently. One cell is removed and genetic screening is then performed. The screening may, among a myriad of potential problems, detect the presence of chromosomal abnormalities as in Down syndrome or genetic disorders as in the case of cystic fibrosis.
Embryo screening is a relatively new screening process and predictably is used to abort defective embryos. According to the survey, it has also been used by parents to select the sex of the child. While these uses are alarming, selecting embryos with disabilities is a new twist. At three percent of the clinics, parents with disabilities have deliberately chosen to have children just like themselves because they do not consider themselves disabled. According to an Associated Press story, couples intentionally are having a child who cannot hear or a child whose growth is restricted, a condition commonly known as dwarfism.
What are Christians to think about embryo screening?
First, we recognize that every child is created in the image of God. This means that God is the creator and giver of life despite our advances in medical knowledge and despite parents who usurp God’s authority and “play God.” Being made by God and in the image of God means that every embryo has dignity as a bearer of God’s image regardless of any genetic deformities. Aborting embryos with genetic defects is not an option.
Second, we acknowledge the frailty and sinfulness of man. When embryo screening tests indicate that one embryo has a disease and another does not, what parent is going to choose the diseased embryo? Selfishness and pride will influence the decision. By choosing the “better” embryo, are we not in some way communicating to the diseased and disabled that they are not worthy of life? I suspect that my niece, age four and born without arms, is glad that she has the chance to live.
What about using embryo screening for simply choosing the sex of the child? When one selects the sex of the child, via embryo screening or other scientific means, are we not communicating to the world that our trust is in science and human wisdom rather than God? Are God’s plans and purposes for our lives sufficient? Will we be satisfied if God never grants us a son or daughter? This is another form of pride. Never mind the imbalance that will result from man influencing the number of males and females born in the world.
Third, we acknowledge the role of sin in the world. When Adam sinned, the result for mankind was disease, deformity and death. As much as we like to think that disease, deformity and death are natural, they are not. They were not part of the original creation prior to sin and they will not be part of the new creation.
The parents who desire a deaf child are allowing man’s pronouncement of disability to cloud their judgment. Children’s dignity and personhood neither depend on nor relate to their disability. I suspect this may not ring true because of the way they have been treated by others, but nonetheless it represents the truth of Scripture. Being created in the image of God levels the playing field of humanity. We are not judged or loved by God based upon our physical abilities. My niece is no more or no less a human in need of redemption and restoration than myself.
Intentionally creating a child with disabilities demonstrates a misunderstanding of the Gospel and acquiesces to the consequences of sin. The Gospel is about making us complete, perfect and holy. It is about Christ conquering sin and demonstrating to us that we, too, will one day have a resurrected body. Disabilities and deformities are the unfortunate result of living in a corrupt world. We as Christians must protect the disabled and respect life. Embryo screening does neither. A reminder to parents who use embryo screening to preempt God’s design –- all children in heaven will be perfect.
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Russell S. Woodbridge serves as associate dean of Southeastern College at Wake Forest and is an assistant professor of theology and church history.
