You Knew It Was Going To Happen: The World's First Human Embryo Bank Online
News of yet another "advancement" in the quest for designer babies has broken. This is basically mail-order children and almost completely customizable. The absurdity of how far we have come is sickening and it only promises to expand as unscrupulous people like Jennalee Ryan are out to make a buck by any means possible:
With these convenient arrangements, parents need not be bothered with morning sickness, unhealthy babies, those bothersome doctors visits, or, heck, even sex if they're so inclined . Nope, now it's fully automated. Just add water, so to speak.
That ought to make her momma proud.
[Story by Debra J. Saunders of the San Francisco Chronicle]
Jennalee Ryan of Texas advertises "The world's First Human Embryo Bank" online. There's no need for would-be parents to settle for already-born babies or leftover embryos from couples with fertility issues. Ryan sent out a letter that explains, "Recipient parents will receive pictures of the donors as infants, and sometimes as adults; full medical background and health reports, and a family history." Her group, The Abraham Center of Life, uses sperm donors only with college degrees -- although "most of them have doctorate degrees" -- while most egg donors have some college.The story continues by stating that "Prospective parents can pick the sperm and the eggs to produce their designer babies." Still need more? Don't worry, this modern snake oil salesman has you covered: "Ryan even says she can find a surrogate mother to carry the fetus to term."
With these convenient arrangements, parents need not be bothered with morning sickness, unhealthy babies, those bothersome doctors visits, or, heck, even sex if they're so inclined . Nope, now it's fully automated. Just add water, so to speak.
Art Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that even if Ryan is operating out of her own freezer, even if she is -- excuse the pun -- a "mom-and-pop entrepreneur, there will be bigger fish swimming in pretty soon." Why? "The demand is there. The behavior of people selling sperm and eggs is wild enough; there's no reason to think this isn't the natural next step in making babies: embryos to order."The brazen attitude of this person is chilling as she flippantly admits the motivation of her actions. In truly mad scientist form, Ryan proudly explains: "You know why I did it? Because I could."
Aren't you selling designer babies? I ask Ryan over the phone Thursday. "Designer babies? Yeah. Why not?" she replies with a laugh.
For years, she adds, sperm banks have required college degrees from donors. She often uses a sperm bank that requires sperm from Ph.D.s. "Does that make it a designer baby because they have a Ph.D.? But why wouldn't I use someone with a Ph.D. versus a truck driver? It's all the same cost."
That ought to make her momma proud.
[Story by Debra J. Saunders of the San Francisco Chronicle]
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posted by DAVID C. PRICE at 8/08/2006 05:15:00 PM
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1 Comments:
To the "Anonymous" commenter: You're comment was rejected because my mother taught me not to talk to strangers. Your dissenting view is welcome if you include a name and email address. I think that's only fair since you have mine (and anyone else's who comment here). Thanks.
The Management.
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