-Embryo Soup-

Scientific innovations & discoveries have brought about some new, peculiar ethical dilemmas. I don’t claim to be a ‘bio-ethicist’ but can’t help but be concerned about where technology is taking us. Latest breakthroughs cause some to think science can help develop a child from a kind of ‘embryo soup.’ Allow me to
explain.

According to National Geographic World News, British scientists say they have created human embryos containing DNA from two women and a man in a procedure that researchers hope might be used one day to produce embryos free of inherited diseases.

Though the preliminary research has raised concerns about the possibility of genetically modified babies, the scientists say that the embryos are still only primarily the product of one man and one woman.

"We are not trying to alter genes, we're just trying to swap a small proportion of the bad ones for some good ones," said Patrick Chinnery, a professor of neurogenetics at Newcastle University involved in the research.

The process aims to create healthy embryos for couples to avoid passing on genes carrying diseases. The genes being replaced are the mitochondria, a cell's energy source, which are contained outside the nucleus in a normal female egg. Mistakes in the mitochondria's genetic code can result in serious diseases like muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, strokes and mental retardation.

Let me be clear, I’m by no means against technology & the work of alleviating sickness & disease; I’m simply given pause to look further down where the road might take. My wife & I had to wrestle with some of these spiritual/ethical implications when we prayed & looked into available infertility options years ago. At the time, the procedure involved fertilizing several eggs, implanting them & aborting any multiples that might be forming.

Another friend had a similar problem. They used his ‘sample’ to fertilize multiple eggs & then called later asking what he wanted to do with the extra eggs in cryonic storage! Hmmm.

While science has made giant leaps in technology & health care, ultimately all life rests in the hands of our Creator. And, while we have wonderful advances in health care & communication, so many people still feel alone, helpless & disconnected.

We all have a ‘God-shaped void’ in our hearts that only He can fill. We are more than simply a few dollars’ worth of chemicals. The sum of our whole is greater than our ‘parts.’ God knows our potential & worth & has a unique plan for each of us. When feeling alone & worthless, consider the words of Jesus:

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

I don’t claim to know the answers for all these new ethical questions. However, I know this: you are more than an accident or experiment. You are more than an ‘embryonic soup.’ God loves you & has a plan for you. Simply seek Him & His direction.

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