RTE news on Tuesday January 17th reported that a new private fertility clinic has opened in Ireland which will provide pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). to identify human embryos brought into being through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), which are deemed to be at risk of carrying inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis. See also Irish Times article
Needles to say this type of screening prior to implantation is highly controversial and is carried out for the express purpose of selection of some embryos and the disposal of others. It can only be described as eugenic in nature and intent.
The new Clinic built in Sandyford Co Dublin at a cost of €2.5 million.
I am reminded that Professor Robert Edwards who is regarded as the father of the exploitative practice of IVF, claimed that it will soon be "a sin" for a woman to give birth to a disabled child and 'burden society'. see my previous BLOG
However, with the exception of "No Less Human" I have not heard any disability rights groups denounce Dr Edwards' eugenicist comments, just as remarkably few journalists have the courage to investigate and challenge the public image of IVF practitioners as caring, altruistic and responsible.
Needles to say this type of screening prior to implantation is highly controversial and is carried out for the express purpose of selection of some embryos and the disposal of others. It can only be described as eugenic in nature and intent. The new Clinic built in Sandyford Co Dublin at a cost of €2.5 million.
This controversial move, which is being lauded by the media, was made despite the fact that the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) do not appear to have not granted permission for it.
According to an Irish Times report on Wednesday January 18th.
The IMB said yesterday it has not issued any licence yet – and an authorisation would be issued only if it complied with legislation on tissues and cells.
It is understood that several IVF clinics in Ireland also hope to begin another form of genetic screening soon involving analysing the chromosomes of embryos.
PGD is also used in other countries to identify chromosomal abnormalities such as down syndromeI am reminded that Professor Robert Edwards who is regarded as the father of the exploitative practice of IVF, claimed that it will soon be "a sin" for a woman to give birth to a disabled child and 'burden society'. see my previous BLOG
However, with the exception of "No Less Human" I have not heard any disability rights groups denounce Dr Edwards' eugenicist comments, just as remarkably few journalists have the courage to investigate and challenge the public image of IVF practitioners as caring, altruistic and responsible.
