June 2008 Newsletter
Posted By admin on August 14, 2008
Eugentics
The term, eugentics, literally means “well born”. It was an early 20th Century movement which aimed to improve the quality of the population by preventing unfit peple from reproducing and encouraging “fit “people to reproduce. SOURCE: www.antenataltesting.info/glossary.html
QUESTION: I’ve heard about the eugenics movement, but I thought it essentially ended with the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Does the eugenics movement still exist today?
ANSWER: The eugenics movement is more comprehensive than most people realize. A review of the history of eugenics shows that the past eugenicists were void of compassion for individuals with a low value or quality of life. The pervading thought was that society would improve with the elimination of poor and disabled children. During the late 1800s and most of the 1900s, this was accomplished through selective breeding.
As morally bankrupt as this sounds, today’s eugenics movement is equally revolting – though more subtle. With recent technological advancements, doctors can screen for genetic disorder, perform prenatal testing, and use birth control and IVF to limit or control the births of children who are likely to have a less-than-desired quality of life. These modern techniques are equally defiant of God’s Word that tells us that children are a blessing from God (Genesis 33:5; Psalm 127:3) and that we should defend those who are weak. (Matthew 25:35, 36; Acts 20:35).
So, sad to say, the eugenics philosophy is still alive and thriving today although the forms and methods have been refined.
QUESTION: Is genetic testing of preborn children acceptable for Christians?
ANSWER: The answer to your question requires some clarification, because there are many variables that come into consideration. Some parents are concerned about a genetic disease that could be passed to their children. Some parents have fears about giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. In still other cases, parents may prefer a gender-specific child or one who is likely to inherit desirable genetic traits. The ability to test and screen for these varied characteristics is representative of the advances in medical technology, but such testing also represents a slippery slope toward eugenics.
There is nothing wrong when parents want a healthy child. There is nothing wrong in performing such tests to discover the well-being of the child. There is nothing wrong when parents want to know in advance that their child is going to be born with a disability.
Problems arise when parents are willing to kill those children who do not meet the perceived standards of “acceptability.” Once we cross the line by saying certain lives are not worth living, regardless of the reason, we then assume an authority over life that God does not give us.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
July 11th at 9:30 a.m.—Lutherans for Life meeting at Emmanuel in the Brandt Hall Meeting Room.
September 24th—Forty Days for Life campaign begins, more info in the August newsletter.
October 5th at 2:00 p.m.—Memorial for those aborted in our area at the Catholic Cemetery on Lake Avenue.
October 12th, 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Kick off campaign “To Russia with Love” with a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast were we have the opportunity to help a young Russian woman like Lyubov torn between keeping her unborn baby and having one less mouth to feed. LCMS Life Ministries (part of LCMS World Relief and Human Care) has opened two successful pregnancy resource centers in Russia and is preparing to launch a similar program in south Asia.