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In my opinion, I would have no objection to allowing scientists to screen and manipulate the genetic material I donated in order to ensure healthy offspring. I believe that using science to aid families who are unable to conceive naturally is a justifiable way of applying genetic research. If we have the ability to save a child from a lifetime of hardship and pain due to a disease like cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia, I see no reason genetic manipulation shouldn't be used. The turmoil of living with ailments like these can be avoided with modern medicinal technology and I feel, if possible, they should be.
The devastation of genetic diseases tears to the heart of the family unit. Having to be constantly in and out of hospitals, astronomical medical bills, and endless burdens of stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on the lives of family members. For example, my wife had a sister who was born with cystic fibrosis, a relatively common genetic disease that causes the mucus lining of the lungs to become hyperactive and flood them with fluid constantly. She died at the age of ten after a short and incredibly painful life. Granted, there are medications and treatments available, but cystic fibrosis remains a terminal illness. There is no cure and those treatments only aid a fraction in prolonging the life of the patient. Had her parents been given the opportunity to prevent the illness in there daughter, she would be alive and well, and my wife would still have a sister, but such technology wasn't available at the time.
Of course science can't prevent lifes troubles or accidents, but why not do what we can to make that life as safe and healthy as possible. The ability to overcome sterility and sickness on the genetic level is an incredible advancement in medicine and should be used to it's fullest potential. Saving patients, helping families grow; all theses things medicine was created to do. Genetic screening is just another way for science to ensure the highest possible quality of life for children and families and I see no reason why it shouldn't be taken full advantage of.

Learn more about this author, Jacob d'Armand.
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