Reproducing with Genetic Diseases

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Neil_Anthony

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Does the Church have any special moral guidance for people who carry the genes for serious diseases, about having or not having children? Should they try to get married and have as many kids as they can, just like anyone else?
 
Only my opinion.

But a person or persons in this situation would need to discern what situation in life God has chosen for them. If it is marriage then yes they should be open to life just as any other married person is obligated to be open to the creation of new life.
 
Neil_Anthony said:
Does the Church have any special moral guidance for people who carry the genes for serious diseases, about having or not having children?
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The Church gives guidance to all couples through her teaching on marriage and family. The Church does not have any doctrines or teachings regarding specific cases-- each couple is called to discern their family size through prayer.
Neil_Anthony said:
Should they try to get married and have as many kids as they can, just like anyone else?
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The Church does not teach that any couple should “have as many kids as they can”.
 
KathleenElsie said:
Only my opinion.

But a person or persons in this situation would need to discern what situation in life God has chosen for them. If it is marriage then yes they should be open to life just as any other married person is obligated to be open to the creation of new life.
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Thanks,
People often aren’t sure what they are called to. Should the presence of ‘disease genes’ be a factor in discerning whether they are called to the married life?
And if already married, should it be a factor in deciding whether to practice NFP?
 
Neil_Anthony said:
Thanks,
People often aren’t sure what they are called to. Should the presence of ‘disease genes’ be a factor in discerning whether they are called to the married life?
And if already married, should it be a factor in deciding whether to practice NFP?
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I personally believe that each situation is between the person and God. As long as both parties in the marriage are informed prior to marriage then again it is up to God. Just never start any relationship with a lie. We can’t fool God only ourselves.

As for children, I will say that God (IMHO) has a plan for each child conceived. One of this persons children, id they are so blessed, could be the key to a cure for the disease or condition for every other future generation. Miracles are happening right now with cord blood and we have no idea how far this can go.
 
Another personal opinion.

Being is better than non-being. A child who is born is able to be baptized, and enjoy eternal life. We can’t know 100% what will affect our children. Why withhold life from them?
 
Neil_Anthony said:
Does the Church have any special moral guidance for people who carry the genes for serious diseases, about having or not having children? Should they try to get married and have as many kids as they can, just like anyone else?
Click to expand...
If God has called you to the vocation of marriage, then get married. Pray, ask for guidance and if God shows you that NFP is an option, then take it. Remember, that NFP is not a way of life, but a “planning” option. God is in charge and you will have the child that God has chosen to give you. Think about this. If we were always concerned with “what ifs”, then there would never be a Jewish child born because it could have Tay-Sachs disease (Jesus included), or there would never be an African child born because it could have Sickle Cell Anemia, or there would never be born a child of a woman over 35 because it could have Down’s
Syndrome, or there could never be born a child… on and on the list could grow. Leave it up to God to determine who is born to you and what His plan is for that child. Again, I say, if you know that you are called to the vocation of marriage, then just let God handle the rest.
 
CindiA said:
If God has called you to the vocation of marriage, then get married. Pray, ask for guidance and if God shows you that NFP is an option, then take it. Remember, that NFP is not a way of life, but a “planning” option. God is in charge and you will have the child that God has chosen to give you. Think about this. If we were always concerned with “what ifs”, then there would never be a Jewish child born because it could have Tay-Sachs disease (Jesus included), or there would never be an African child born because it could have Sickle Cell Anemia, or there would never be born a child of a woman over 35 because it could have Down’s
Syndrome, or there could never be born a child… on and on the list could grow. Leave it up to God to determine who is born to you and what His plan is for that child. Again, I say, if you know that you are called to the vocation of marriage, then just let God handle the rest.
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Well said.👍
 
I have a genetic disease, too. BUT you have to remember, genetic diseases have probably existed since the dawn of time. The only difference between now & then is that we know we have them.

The larger question is, are you going to let techonology or our “advanced” scientific knowledge discourage you from following God’s will in your life? It is almost too much information that we are able to give ourselves today. We have been given scientific knowledge but it is not the same as true knowledge that comes from God. Scientific knowledge can be used to create a wedge between us & what God wants for our lives. I would never believe in a single second that God wouldn’t want us to procreate within the bonds of sacramental marriage.

Is this any different from being poor and wanting to have children? God will provide and help you if you just trust in Him.
 
Everyone carries genetic diseases in some shape or form. IMO, this is no reason to not have children.
 
1ke said:
The Church does not teach that any couple should “have as many kids as they can”.
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A large family used to be indicative of a satisfying sex life between the couple. It seems that with the advent of universal artificial contraception, abortion, etc., there have been more problems in this area of marriages than ever before.
 
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