Voluntary Sterilization and Genetic Illnesses

[Vonsalza]

Should voluntary, elective sterilization be a readily available course of treatment for those who have proven markers that show an elevated probability of producing offspring with debilitating genetic adnormalities?

Is the future suffering presumably avoided (and maybe eradicated) a sufficient justification for sterilization?

What say you?
(Particularly interested in replies that would interest non-Catholics, but don’t let that stop you from sharing your view)

 

[njlisa]

I’m not saying this is right. I’m just stating the facts.

Voluntary sterilization is already available. Many women routinely
get tubal ligations if they don’t want more children of if they are
concerned about producing disabled children. Men get vasectomies
for the same reason. And genetic counseling is also available
to couples. So your question is already answered.

I will now address the ethics of sterilization.
Sterilization is the wrong way to go. Imagine the outcome
if the government started to decide who is disabled. Nazi
Germany demonstrated the sheer evil of this ideology.
In any case, we can be very optimistic about new therapies
that will cure illnesses and other physical maladies
on the genetic level.

As for the religious reasons, I refer you to @(name removed by moderator)'s
viewpoint:

NOPE! NEVER should one’s body be voluntarily mutilated to avoid something that might or might not happen. PLUS who are we to judge that those with genetic disabilities or abnormalities aren’t sent to teach us patience and keep us humble, not to make too much of ourselves and put ourselves above others. The mentally & physically disabled children I worked with for many years taught me a WHOLE HECK OF A LOT MORE than I could ever teach them.

 

[Vonsalza]

So your question is already answered.

To be sure, I’m aware of the availability. I was asking “should” from a moral perspective - Particularly as it would appeal to non-catholics.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[Vonsalza]

As many seem to agree with you, do you think your lessons in humility, then, justify their suffering?

We shouldn’t limit suffering in others (even when we can) so as to promote our own spiritual development?

 

[QwertyGirl]

I say “of course”.

 

[on_the_hill]

My family had a history of infantile polycystic kidney disease. Last I checked, it is fatal 100% of the time within several hours of birth. I lost two siblings to it. There was about a 1:400 chance that my children would’ve been born and died with it.

To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about voluntary sterilization.

 

[njlisa]

I answered the should part in the second paragraph.

As a Catholic, I can’t put forward an argument on this forum
that goes against Church teaching.

In any case, God bless you.

 

[laylow]

I see no ethical downside, unless possible side effects (if there are any) of the sterilization are not communicated by doctor.

Not using scientific knowledge to make a better society seems ignorant.