3 ms·
Have you seen a patient presenting with Huntington's? I wouldn't wish that suffering on my worst enemy. The chance is 50% for every child of a person with Hunt
by throwawayObvs27 1y ago
Have you seen a patient presenting with Huntington's? I wouldn't wish that suffering on my worst enemy.
The chance is 50% for every child of a person with Huntington's. Is it ethical to deliberately have children knowing that they have a 50% chance of of their lifespan being cut in half, then dying in unimaginable pain guaranteed? There is always a risk for birth defects, but this one is a _choice_. Some people knowingly choose this fate for their children instead of adopting - that feels so wrong to me.
Even ignoring the humanitarian side, think of the societal cost. Every patient needs expensive round-the-clock care in the later stages, families and friends watch their loved ones deteriorate. If I was born knowing I had an early expiration date with that fate, I'd certainly need therapy. It's completely preventable.