The article on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) (‘The gene genie‘, 14/3) makes a lot of claims and asks many questions, but fails to address the central issue, which is the future life of little Molly. The parents may benefit from the publicity, the private corporation that performed the technical feat certainly will benefit financially, and some adult women do gain from notoriety. But what if Molly, as an adult, decides she wants all reference to this episode in her early life removed from the public record? Molly, as a two-year-old, cannot give informed consent to the dissemination of intimate details of her circumstances.
The article is, moreover, a blatant push for increased Medicare outlays. There are many other, equally emotional, calls for funding of services from the public purse. More psychiatric help for young people, more public housing, more support for vulnerable families, the list of outstanding demands is long.
May God help us if we are unable to achieve community-based consensus on ways to provide public funding for medical services. Because the Devil will take us if we let ourselves be led by the popular media.
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Universal healthcare in Australia may become unaffordable by Rick Harper.
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