Should people who have a gene for a terrible disease (MS,LGD,etc) be allowed to have children?
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.As has been mentioned, genetics don't always work out like that and testing is not available for all diseases. Should we rule out anyone with diabetes having children? Or the mentally ill? Or gypsies? Or Jews? What know from modern Germany is that despite the mass execution of millions of people including the mentally ill, people with genetic disorders and learning disabilities is that these still occur in just about the same number as before. Why don't we instead concentrate in developing effective genetic counselling, improved testing and cures.
Amisja
Level 8
Jan 8, 2019
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I have Polycystic Kidney Disease. People with this illness are pretty much guaranteed to need either dialysis or a kidney transplant if they want to live. At the moment I'm stable with no transplant/dialysis, however I only have about 30% kidney function.
What you are asking is do I deserve to live. I personally would say yes.
Anyone with a life altering disease should have genetic counseling before marriage. Whether they do or not is up to them.
kiramea
Level 7
Jan 8, 2019
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I want you to live what i do not want is for you to pass this on to any children who would have the same problem. I am not on any machine but do have a kidney disfunction that prevents me from having needed surgery- I hope you have a long happy life and if you need a kidney that you find one soon.
@Marine I have children, and one of those children most likely has the disease. I understand what you're saying, however I do not believe that it's criminal to have children knowing that you have the possibility of giving them a disease. With PKD, there is a 50/50 chance that I would pass it on to my children. I took a chance and unfortunately one possibly has it.
In my case science is making great strides in treatment for the disease. Once my son gets to where he will need treatment science should be able to either cure it or treat it without him going on dialysis. That is what all parents hope (at least I do)..... to have a cure of any hereditary disease they may be carrying.
With that said, I have a friend whose father died from huntington's disease. I can't even imagine having children knowing that they could have something so devastating; but she had two. As far as I know she and her children don't show signs and I truly hope it stays that way.
Many people carry regressive genes that do not affect them and the likelyhood of passing on a disease only comes about when two people carry the same regressive gene. There are between 4,000 and 6,000 diagnosed genetic disorders. Given that there are so many diseases and genetically inherited traits who can afford to have all the necessary tests to dertermine the presence or absence of such genes?
ASTRALMAX
Level 8
Jan 8, 2019
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I would think these people would have the common sense to not have children rather they would adopt a needy child. Even this should be conditional upon the other mate being able to take care of both parent and child when they come down with the disease.To have a child knowing you have this gene is being very selfish and criminal towards the child.
Marine
Level 8
Jan 8, 2019
0
I think people should adopt an existing child in need of a family before adding a new child to the world.
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