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From: Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Genetic Engineering
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Date: 28 Mar 91 05:36:37 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

My personal opinion on genetic engineering is that it would be
wonderful if science and the medical field could prevent birth
defects that cause severe disabilities, including deafness

I don't think any of us want to be born with a disability as
most of us don't exactly like what disability we may have, but
we don't let our disability get us down.  I've always believed
you are only handicapped if you let yourself be so.

I was born with a profound nerve deafness (along with my other
two siblings) which was caused by the fact both of my parents
had the same type of recessive gene.  I know of others (one
couple who are very close friends of mine) who are in the same
situation but not in regards to deafness.  I feel most people
would want to prevent birth defects caused from the genetic
aspect.  With all of the technology that is available today,
all babies are tested for many things before birth and some
are correctable before birth.  I think most of us would like
to see a cure for all disabilities and end the suffering
that many live with

It is too late for me to take advantage of what the future
may bring but I certainly wouldn't want to deprive any others
who might benefit from whatever can be done to prevent deafness
from birth.  We all want to live normal lives with no barriers
to hamper us from doing so - so why not hope that the future
will have a cure for ALL

Of course, I'm not speaking for those who may become deafened
in later life.  Some of that cannot be helped but a lot of
it can be prevented if precautions are taken - such as wearing
earplugs during artillery shooting, lawn mowing, construction
work, keeping volumes of stereo speakers down, and many
other things.  You can still listen to the sounds but be a
bit more cautious by taking preventive measures.

--
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