So, I was watching "House" yesterday, and I must admit that it's by far one of the best shows on TV. I love the dialog, but I especially love the controversial, ethical, and moral questions that every episode seem to raise. Other than the fact that Dr. House is an egotistical, megalomaniac with a Messiah complex, he's a pretty good doctor and quite the genius. Yesterday his team was confronted with the case of a young (13 year old) boy who'd been born a hermaphrodite (having both male and female genitalia). Each one of his medical team had their own firm opinions about how the parents should have handled the circumstance, especially since they'd kept the truth from their son (or is it their daughter) all of his life.
Some made moral judgments about the parents honesty and commitment, while others simply decided that it wasn't their job to second guess parents' moral decisions. My question for you is this: As a Christian, what decision would you make about your child's sex if you gave birth to a child that was a hermaphrodite? Why would you decide the way you do?
6 comments:
I love this show!
I've actually been studying this a little lately in my biochem / anatomy course. I think I'd have bloodwork drawn to show the child's actual genetic makeup. There are actually no real human hermaphrodites since a hermaphrodite can technically reproduce on its own but only psudo hermaphrodites which I believe means that there is generally a genetic code one way or the other and only external confusion. I certainly wouldn't wait until adulthood or teen years (they're hard enough!) to approach it. So, genetics and prayer and fasting. I hope I never have to cross this bridge! What would you do?
Hmmm! Thea, sorry dear, but this one isn't going to be that easy. This week I'm going to be asking lots of questions and you guys are going to be providing the answers, otherwise it's going to be a really quiet week. For what it's worth, I really like your response. :)
I should have known! I'll stay tuned :)
i agree w/ thea on this. from what i've read, usually the child has more of a genetic code going one way over another and that would seem to be the most logical conclusion to me. but i wonder, and will have to research it, how often does something like this really happen?
watching house, they usually take medical cases that are really really rare....but all possible....another reason i love this show.
Thea, absolutely you should have known. Now get ready for the next set of questions. :)
Ash, personally I think it's the most well written show on TV.
came across this... thought you might be interested. it's an intriguing story...about this kind of situation:
http://current.com/items/89405000/i_m_80_girl_20_boy.htm
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