Friday, September 9, 2011

making babies

i just read an article erk sent me from the health section of the new york times entitled: one sperm donor, 150 offspring. it was unsettling.
the article argues that the lack of regulation in fertility clinics (in this country) has the potential to lead to a rapid spread of genes for rare diseases, and increased odds of accidental incest between half siblings. sounds ridiculous? so does the idea of having 149 siblings.
i am hesitant to share this, but i will -  i have always had a certain amount of discomfort with the idea of artificial insemination. i have both gay and heterosexual friends who for one reason or another have used it, and despite having a tremendous amount of love and respect for these friends, i never quite got it.
why not adopt a baby if you are unable to conceive naturally? there are plenty to adopt. easy for me to say - i have never tried to have a baby, and i suppose that if i did, and could without assistance i would be officially unauthorized to comment on the subject. much like i am now.


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