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Gene Test Can Screen Embryos For Low IQ

Scientists have developed a test that enables doctors to screen embryos for low intelligence, by identifying a range of genetic defects known to lead to learning difficulties.

The test has already been adapted for use by doctors in the US and Spain. Using test-tube baby techniques, doctors have selected only perfect embryos to be returned to the woman's womb.

According to a report in the Sunday Times (London) "Some experts are concerned that such testing echoes Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, in which epsilon babies were bred in hatcheries for menial tasks while alphas lived a life of luxury."

"There is an urgent need for regulation of what constitutes legitimate use of this type of genetic diagnosis," said Richard Nicholson, the editor of the Bulletin of Medical Ethics, according to The Times. "Low IQ is not life-threatening. This is a significant step towards eugenics," he added.

The testing kit is being marketed by Cytocell, of Banbury, UK and was developed from research at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford. Scientists there have identified the specific arrangements of genetic material on the telomeres, the ends of DNA strands in each chromosome, which cause children to suffer anything from moderate learning problems to mental handicap.

Research is now turning to the quest for other genetic characteristics which may cause sub-normal intelligence, with the ultimate goal of offering screening to women carrying naturally conceived babies.

The US government is currently allocating significant federal funds into developing such tests.

The Sunday Times, November 26, 2000.



Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This is just one of the inevitable issues that will be generated by the Human Genome Project and other advances in Biotechnology.

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Comment on This Article Community Comments (1)
 
 
Posted On Mar 18, 2008

This is sick.  These people create children and only let the "worthy" ones live.  Does this not scream radial injustice?  Just because someone has more genetic defects doesn't stray from the fact that they deserve to live.  And this whole thing about children having higher I.Q.s if they have better DNA isn't an excuse for some kids just being ignorant.  If we can go back 6,000 years ago, when the human genome was practically flawless, they probably all had photographic memory and other traits that people would view as uncommon today.  But even though after 6,000 years of mutations, we are still able to learn.  We just aren't pushing ourselves enough.  There are Japanese children that do intense math training from youth, and are really really good at doing large math problems in their head (They move their thumb to "write" the numbers without marking paper though, like writing a word down on your arm so you can spell it).

Yes genes do play an important role in the intellect of a child, but we shouldn't kill someone who isn't able to learn as easily, nor should these genes be considered to condemn us to stupidity.  There was a kid with down syndrome who became a pilot.

Sources.

Bible

www.answersingenesis.org/.../are-mutations-the-engine

www.youtube.com/watch


 
Robubba
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 3/2008
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