Tuesday, January 4, 2011

1983 July/August issue Part 3

Amniocentesis

The presidents Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research would like to see more physicians providing the service of amniocentesis for women well under thirty-five. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the amniotic sac to withdraw fluid which can be tested to reveal certain abnormalities in the fetus. If they are found, abortion is often recommended. I was stunned to find this statement by Richard Doerflinger of the Bishops' Committee on Pro-life Activities (quoted in Action Line, March 31, 1983): "Amniocentesis performed on a women of 32 is four times more likely to induce a miscarriage in the second trimester as it is to detect a child with Down's syndrome. The Commission argues that 'whether the benefit outweighs the risk' in such a situation 'is largely a matter of personal values.'"
"Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto me," Jesus said.

1 comment:

  1. "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto me," Jesus said.

    That's so very true! This saying of the Lord makes lots of sense if you look at it in this perspective!

    God bless

    ReplyDelete

Comments are moderated, therefore just leave a little message at the end if you would prefer your comment not to be published!