Kurt Kondrich
Another "risk gene" identified
FacebookTwitter
By Kurt Kondrich
November 9, 2010

One of the latest advances in genetics is the identification of a "risk gene" associated with Autism that may alter how the brain functions: http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/645382.html

"Risk" is defined as "someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard."
(merriam-webster.com/dictionary/risk)

The "risk gene" is identified as CNTNAP2, and according to the article, "About one-third of all people carry the variant of the CNTNAP2 gene that is associated with a heightened risk of autism, as well as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia and other language difficulties." As I read this latest genetic update I noticed that the phrase "risk gene" was mentioned no fewer than 7 times.

Since 90%+ of all children diagnosed prenatally with Down syndrome using genetic testing are aborted, my question to the researchers and medical community would be, "What will the identification of this "risk gene" be used for, and will this prenatal diagnosis be offered to expectant parents?"

My beautiful 7-year-old daughter Chloe has a unique genetic make-up (many consider a risk) that gives her an extra chromosome, and she is not someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard. Chloe has planted more positive seeds during her 7 years than most do in a lifetime, and this world would be a colder, darker place if she had not been born. The greatest "risk" she and other individuals with Down syndrome are facing is extinction, and there currently is a silent eugenic movement to eliminate these precious children.

When a society obsessed with perfection labels certain unique genetic codes as "risk," it becomes very easy for people to classify children with disabilities as less than desirable. If 90%+ of children diagnosed prenatally with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, schizophrenia, and other language difficulties were terminated, I wonder what the outcry would be. As expectant parents receive more genetic updates, will they become more inclined to abort and try again when they are told their unborn child contains a "risk gene"? As children with disabilities disappear from our culture, then so will the Light that they bring to so many.

The article mentions the "disconnect" the CNTNAP2 risk gene produces, and I would argue that the only disconnect is the inability of our culture to see the very slippery slope we are rapidly sliding down. I pray people reconnect with the words God spoke concerning our most priceless gift:

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the Womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart."

© Kurt Kondrich

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
FLASHBACK to 2020: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Cliff Kincaid
They want to kill Elon Musk

Jerry Newcombe
Four presidents on the wonder of Christmas

Pete Riehm
Biblical masculinity versus toxic masculinity

Tom DeWeese
American Policy Center promises support for anti-UN legislation

Joan Swirsky
Yep…still the smartest guy in the room

Michael Bresciani
How does Trump fit into last days prophecies?

Curtis Dahlgren
George Washington walks into a bar

Matt C. Abbott
Two pro-life stalwarts have passed on

Victor Sharpe
Any Israeli alliances should include the restoration of a just, moral, and enduring pact with the Kurdish people

Linda Kimball
Man as God: The primordial heresy and the evolutionary science of becoming God

Sylvia Thompson
Should the Village People be a part of Trump's Inauguration Ceremony? No—but I suspect they will be

Jerry Newcombe
Reflections on the Good Samaritan ethic
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites