Plan Aimed at Saving Son Triggers an Ethical Debate
LONDON, OCT. 2, 2001 (Zenit.org).- A 2-year-old boy who suffers from a rare, genetic blood disorder will die if he does not soon receive the transplant of marrow from a "custom-made" sibling, BBC reported.
So say the parents and doctor of Zian Hashmi. Zian's case has unleashed widespread debate in the United Kingdom, because of the solution suggested by the doctor.
If the request is granted, it will be the first time in Great Britain that spouses are able to have a "custom-made" child, selected specifically to help a brother. Zian suffers from a disorder called thalassaemia major.
Raj and Shabhana Hashmi, Zian's parents, wish to have another child, in order to obtain the blood marrow needed for a transplant.
Dr. Simon Fishel of Park Hospital's Center for Assisted Reproduction in Nottingham, agreed to go forward with the experiment, but needs the approval of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Fishel admitted that even with the approval for the experiment, there are no guarantees of success.
First, a compatible embryo must be found and this is not easy. Then, if such an embryo is found, there is only a 30% probability that the mother will have a full-term pregnancy.
After the baby's birth, there would be the risk that the terminally ill child's system will reject the transplanted cells. Dr. Fishel admits that the chance of success is less than 50%.
Zian has four other brothers, but none of them has a blood type compatible with his own. The doctor explained that it is not just a question of finding someone of a compatible blood group but, also, of finding the antigens of the blood.
All of the above means that, through artificial insemination, embryos would be produced and discarded if not compatible with Zian's need. So, other lives would be destroyed to save one human life - an iffy matter in any case.
The Catholic Church condemns such a practice, holding that a human life cannot be destroyed in this way to save another life.
An HFEA spokesman said that there "are some very complex issues. We will give proper consideration while being aware of the urgency."
ZEN - Zenit
2. oktober 2001