Advances in modern medicine have made it possible for us to peer inside the womb and observe a preborn child in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. Not only can we see the visual image of the baby in 3D, but we can also examine his DNA — the very building blocks of his life. One of the most powerful tools in prenatal care today is genetic screening. This testing allows parents and doctors to gather information about the genetic makeup of the preborn baby, offering insights into potential health challenges or genetic conditions.
While this knowledge can be invaluable for medical planning, we must acknowledge that it also raises significant ethical concerns, especially in a society where many view abortion as a solution to an unexpected diagnosis.
As a pro-life obstetrician and Christian, I believe it is our responsibility to approach genetic screening with a mindset that balances the benefits of knowledge with an unwavering respect for life. Before we ask science what we can learn, we should examine our hearts and consciences to determine how we will respond to what we discover.
The Purpose of Genetic Screening: A Tool for Preparation, Not Elimination
Prenatal genetic screening can provide valuable information about a child’s health, detecting unusual chromosomal patterns like Down syndrome or genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis. This information helps healthcare providers perform prenatal interventions and craft treatment plans well in advance of their young patient’s arrival. It also gives parents time to grapple with their emotions, allowing them to prepare for their child’s unique challenges early so that when the baby is born, they are in a place of acceptance and able to give their child the loving care he needs. There are thousands of support groups nationwide ready to assist and prepare these parents for the arrival of their special needs child. These volunteers possess unique experiences and can prepare and empathize with the expectant parents.
However, in many cases, this screening is not used as a tool for preparation but rather as a decision-making factor in considering whether to continue the pregnancy. Tragically, some parents feel pressure to abort after receiving a diagnosis of a genetic condition — from family, friends, and sometimes even their healthcare providers. This is not the purpose for which genetic screening was designed, and it devalues the inherent worth of a preborn child, whatever perceived imperfections that child may have.
Recently data was published claiming that the nation of Iceland had nearly eliminated Down Syndrome as a condition in Icelandic newborns. Had their physicians and scientists discovered a way to correct the extra chromosome #21 present in every nucleated cell in the body of a baby in the womb? No. They were offering universal screening to expectant mothers, and if a test revealed an elevated risk for Down Syndrome, abortion was offered. Taking the life of a baby that is different is not “healthcare”. If you have ever known or even met a child with Down Syndrome, you know that they are often the most loving and compassionate people on the planet. Maybe the ‘Love Gene’ is located on chromosome #21, and children with a third chromosome #21 possess more love than most.
We must speak life into our culture to remind others and ourselves that a diagnosis does not define the value of a human life. The lives of people with illnesses, disabilities, and other challenges are no less precious than others. Each human being, including each preborn child, is made in the image of God, with unmeasurable worth and dignity. Medical challenges may arise, but these do not diminish the beauty or significance of life.
Genetic Screening: Separating Facts from Fear
Two of the biggest ethical challenges surrounding prenatal genetic testing are its rate of misinterpretation and its tendency to inspire fear-based decisions. Genetic tests can sometimes yield false positives or unclear results, leading to unnecessary anxiety. This can result in parents making drastic, life-altering decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
A New York Times investigation revealed that, due to a paucity of FDA oversight of the process, non-invasive prenatal testing for five rare genetic conditions can return false positive results in over 80% of cases! Not only does this cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, it can lead pressured parents to abort perfectly healthy babies.
Even when the positive test result is accurate, the truth of a child’s condition is often far less dire than parents fear. For example, studies have shown that even though a significant number of preborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, almost all families who choose life for their baby find immense joy and love in their child’s unique journey. It is essential to seek accurate information and receive counseling from medical professionals who respect both the facts and the sanctity of life.
Pro-life advocates believe that the best use of genetic screening is to prepare parents for potential medical interventions and to provide the care necessary for a healthy pregnancy and birth. It should never be a means to decide whether a life is “worth” living.
Every Life Deserves Protection
In a society where medical decisions are often influenced by convenience or perceived quality of life, it falls to those of us dedicated to the celebration and protection of life to affirm the intrinsic value of every human being, regardless of genetic makeup. Every preborn child is a gift, and their worth is not determined by their health, abilities, or appearance.
We must resist the cultural trend that views certain lives as less valuable simply because they carry the burden of a genetic condition. Instead, as people who believe in the sanctity of life, we should advocate for compassionate care, support, and resources that empower parents to embrace their child’s life, no matter the challenges.
It is important to recognize that while we can gather information from genetic testing, we cannot predict the future quality of an individual life with certainty. Some children with genetic conditions go on to live rich and meaningful lives, contributing to society and bringing joy to their families. Our role as caregivers, parents, and advocates is to support life, not to pass judgment on it.
Balancing Knowledge with Ethical Responsibility
As genetic testing continues to be refined and developed, it is critical that we balance our desire for knowledge with ethical responsibility. The ability to learn about a preborn child’s genetic traits should be coupled with a commitment to protect that child, regardless of the diagnosis.
When used appropriately, genetic screening can be a tool to empower parents with the information they need to make informed, loving decisions for their child’s care. But it must never be wielded as a criterion to determine whether that life should continue. This is why the pro-life movement is so vital in today’s world: to defend the rights of the most vulnerable and remind society that every life has inherent value and meaning, even in the face of genetic challenges.
Embracing Life with Compassion and Hope
At the heart of the pro-life message is the belief that every life — regardless of health, ability, or diagnosis — is a precious gift from God. Genetic screening offers useful information, but it should never lead to the devaluation of life. Instead, it should inspire us to provide support, love, and medical care to both the preborn child and his family.
For more resources and information on protecting life in the womb, or to explore my new curriculum designed to equip individuals with scientific and medical facts that affirm the sanctity of life, I invite you to visit the ProLife Doc website. Together, we can stand for life and celebrate the beauty and potential of every human being, regardless of their genetic makeup.
