MedWatch Update January 4, 2007
Posted by Dr. Bertalan Meskó in genetics, Health, Invention, Medicine, Pregnancy, Prevention.trackback
Ashley X and an extremely hard decision:
Recently a Seattle family made the difficult, if not terrifying decision to sterilize… no that’s not the right term; to de-sexualize their severely afflicted daughter, Ashley X.
Doctors recommend genetic testing for all pregnancies
There’s a big change coming for pregnant women: Down syndrome testing no longer hinges on whether they’re older or younger than 35….The newest method is a first-trimester screening that combines blood tests with a simple ultrasound exam, called a “nuchal translucency test” to measure the thickness of the back of the fetal neck.
Study says genetic mutation alters response to heart drugs
A study by the University of Wurzburg has suggested that beta blockers may induce a variable response in patients with heart disease because of a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor.
I am very surprised that the hospital performed the procedure on this Ashley X.
The commettee of ethics of the hospital has agreed with that.
Hmmm…you’re right…I must admit, I would not have expected this.
This is really sick. I don’t understand how anyone, let alone a committee of ethics, can agree to something like that. If the parents want a doll to play with forever, they should buy one, and not experiment on a living being.