We have all seen evidence of the miraculous science available to treat infertility. Many times it fails to achieve. I should know. But other times it achieves in a very beautiful and profound way. Many couples have been blessed through the incredible methods developed.
However, there is great responsibility that comes from this great capability, and like many elements of power, it can have it's irresponsible, dark side.
Take the case of the Spanish woman, Carmen Bousada, who at 67 years of age, became the world's oldest (to date) mother through in-vitro fertilization. That was two years ago. This week she died, leaving behind orphan twins. She wasn't hit by a truck, she died of cancer. But that doesn't really matter, except that by the time your 67, cancer has become a much greater risk than being run over!
The clinic she attended for the procedure was in Los Angeles. Where else? (Remember the "octomom" ?) Their pitiful defense was that she apparently lied about her age, stating that she was 55, the supposed maximum age for the procedure. I guess a clinic with such a focused specialty has a much harder time detecting someone's age. And does that mean that 55 is even acceptable?
So now, the little twins will never know their mother, and it's highly likely that grandparents are gone, and even aunts and uncles very old or gone also. Tough. Too bad that same clinic can't whip up a new, artificial mom, but heck, we're just human. Let's remember that.
No comments:
Post a Comment