Number 5 is pro-life!

The new non-invasive genetic testing for down syndrome and other genetic anomalies are wonderful in that they can be performed with less risk to the child than current tests. However, some are rightfully worried that it will lead to aborting more down syndrome children, and lead to abortion for other "defects." Today a "defect" can be anything the parents don't desire, including various diseases, girls and even intelligence. Take this article, for example: "Oxford Ethicist says keep clever embryos, destroy the Rest".

Human embryos should be screened for their potential intelligence and only the smartest allowed to live, an Oxford University ethicist has argued.

In shocking remarks, Prof Julian Savulescu says embryos that do not pass the intelligence test should be destroyed for the good of society.

Shocking yes, but it is already routinely done in IVF procedures, where doctors choose which embryos will be implanted and which will be killed based on their genetic characteristics. It's only a short step from there to "the master race."

I had this on my mind the other night while I watched the movie "Short Circuit" with the kids. If you haven't seen it, it is the story of an experimental military robot named "Number 5" that gets struck by lightning, becomes alive, and goes out into the world to make its way. Its makers pursue Number 5 to destroy it before the "malfunction" can put the company in a bad light. I hadn't seen the movie in years (I was never a big fan, but my wife loves it), but as I watched it I realized it has a profound pro-life message. Yes, beneath all the kitsch, and shouting "no disassemble", Number 5 actually has something to say. He repeats the message over and over - "Life is not a malfunction."

I think it's something we all need to remember, especially in cases like down syndrome, Leigh syndrome, or any other "malfunction." Life is not a malfunction. Destroying it is not the cure.

Posted in: Medicine,Pro-Life