HIGH SCHOOL

1ST Place: Alana Lindsay,

Grade 11

As our society continues to progress, technology also advances. Technological breakthroughs have begun to appear in every aspect of our lives, including family aspects. If a woman is infertile, in vitro fertilization is one reproduction technology that can present the possibility of a child. In addition, technology does not stop there. Fertility clinics have begun to screen the embryos before implantation to ensure that the embryo is "healthy". This process may seem like a dream come true, and the end to all genetic problems, however, a closer look at the issue will uncover a different story. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD, is a process which drastically reduces individuality, and alters God's divine plan. As people living in a technological age, we must embrace scientific advances, but never forget to protest what is right, or neglect to treat all life with compassion.

The first problem with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is that it creates the illusion that "healthy" means "perfect". Many embryos are destroyed because of supposed "imperfection". They may have a genetic defect. Maybe the child would be handicapped. Maybe they would have a speech impediment. Maybe they would never walk. But at least they would live. Destroying an embryo is taking a life. Where will this issue stop? Maybe, in 10 years, parents will be able to "custom-make" their baby. Maybe they will be able to choose whether their child is a boy or a girl. Maybe they will reject numerous babies. "This one doesn't have my eyes." "This one is too small." "This one doesn't have a high enough IQ." Maybe millions of embryos will be destroyed before the right one is discovered. Maybe every single child in the world will have blonde hair, blue eyes, a high IQ, a natural talent for sport, and no faults. Maybe every future baby will be "perfect". But the truth is, who created the idea of "perfection"? Perfection is different to each of us. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. Just ask the mother with a handicapped child, who teaches her something about life every day. Just ask the sister who finally heard her brother say his first word, because he suffers from a speech impediment.

What does PGD really do? It places embryos in a box, and demands that they must live up to society's idea of perfection. It limits diversity in the world, and limits those qualities that make each of us special. It creates the illusion that society will be a better place, a happier place, if we are all the same, if people are all "perfect", and if nothing ever goes wrong. PGD aims to conform future generations.

Furthermore, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis changes society, but fails to remind humans that society is not ours to change. When we were created, human being were given a great deal of intelligence. With this intelligence comes a great deal of responsibility. While scientific advances are a good thing, the power to create, and the power to destroy, is not rightfully ours. As humans destroy an embryo to bring about death, they use their power irresponsibly. There is never a moment where killing is acceptable. Not for revenge, not for possessions, and certainly not to prevent a child who is dubbed "unperfect" from coming into this world. Disposing of an embryo before it is embedded in the womb is no better than taking the life of a child through abortion. The embryo has a heartbeat, just like us. It has a gender, just like us. It has a purpose in this world, no matter how artificially created, just like us. And it is loved by God, just like us. God's plan encompasses all things, no matter how big, and no matter how small. A slight imperfection in the genetic make-up of a child could alter the way we see the world. Who is to say that imperfections are not perfect? Beethoven was deaf, yet he proceeded to compose music which we still listen to today Helen Keller was deaf and blind, yet became a world-famous speaker and writer, who encouraged everyone to shoot for their dreams. Matthew Stepanek was an 11 year old boy who had mitochondrial myopathy, a disease that causes generalized muscle weakness and the inability to walk. He became a "peacemaker," and was the author of two poetry books. His advice to those with genetic defects was to "Live your life to the fullest. Live your life - forget the disease. You need to follow your heartsong." In all of these cases, and in numerous more, it is proven that God works through all people, regardless of age, race, gender or genetics. To God, each of us is special, beautiful and loved. Each of us deserves a chance to live. By destroying premature embryos, that chance is taken away. God's purpose, and divine plan, is forever changed. And finally as a result of PGD, the world suffers. Taking one life may change a lot more than we can ever fully understand.

Although, for the most part, technological advances make our live more comfortable, they are not without risk, or without consequence. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis threatens to drastically reduce the human qualities that make us all individuals, and most seriously, threatens to reduce the power of the One who created us. God has blessed us with intelligence and power, but it should never be abused. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis takes innocent lives, and creates the illusion that you must be "perfect" to exist in our world today. In order to ensure individuality in the future, we must stand up for those who do not have a voice to speak for themselves. Protesting what is true, and exhibiting compassion for even the smallest of God's creations is one way that we can use our power, but this time, for the betterment of society.