Genetic editing should not even be considered

In the debate on genetic engineering, it should not be a question of proceeding with caution, but whether it should even be done in the first place ("Proceed with caution on genetic engineering" by Ms Denise Lee Hui Jean; Feb 23).

Humanity longs to engineer genetic diseases out of our biological inheritance, but can anyone eliminate the possibility of stroke, diseases, accidents and so on in the later part of our lives ("Gene-edited babies: From red light to orange... and then green?"; Feb 20)?

What do we do then with the old and the frail, the weak and the disabled who exist in our society? Do we eventually eliminate ourselves?

Our human heart is self-centred and has an insatiable appetite for perfection.

Singapore has the tendency to follow the trends in other countries, and takes pride in it, without considering the moral stand of each policy.

First, we had assisted reproduction technology such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), on the false premises that people have a right to have children and it is necessary to promote population growth. Indeed, the latter is why the Government is co-funding IVF.

Individuals are treated almost as economic units in a social engineering project. Where is the value of human beings as bearers of equal rights?

From IVF, we proceeded to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which is done here to check for disorders like thalassemia, haemophilia and muscular dystrophy.

Embryos with problematic genes are destroyed.

This year the Ministry of Health (MOH) will implement a pilot programme - pre-implantation genetic screening - whereby embryos with chromosomal abnormalities will be discarded ("Trial for screening IVF embryos to start soon"; Nov 11, 2016).

As it is, a substantial number of people view IVF treatment as illicit because it involves spare embryos, with many discarded if they are not of good enough quality for a healthy pregnancy.

The pursuit of such perfection is futile because we cannot have a perfect life that is free from stress, problems, diseases, accidents, ageing and death.

We do not need to be fearful of sufferings but should view them as challenges to shape our character and instil in us priceless values.

As a woman with a genetic disorder, I would not want any editing in my genes because I am wonderfully made.

Through my disability, I learn resilience, and I teach that to the next generation.
http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/genetic-editing-should-not-even-be-considered

47/365 I am a friend of God

I don't have a best friend.

When I was a kid, people asked who my best friend is. Maybe it's the hospital because I grew up there. As I grow older, I made more friends. Who is your best friend? Maybe it's Ling, because we once shared that melancholic, romantic personality in NUS.

Yesterday. Oh, I don't have a best friend. Suddenly felt crestfallen because isn't that a 'failure' in the eyes of the world?

Wait. Isn't my best Friend Jesus? He is in heaven. It's the Holy Spirit! My best Friend guiding me every day to be in the company of wise friends.

Let your human best friend of the opposite gender be your spouse and none other.

Thank God that I have good friends. Friends who accompany me in His good path. Friends who care about issues that I cannot understand the reason for.

Reminded each time I need to be reminded:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6)

Sweet thought! We have a Friend above,
Our weary, faltering steps to guide,
Who follows with His eye of love
The precious child for whom He died.
—Anon.

I have the best best Friend. 

47/365
#iamafriendofGod

True inclusiveness begins in the womb

This letter was sent to Voices@TODAY but was not published.

I agree with Social and Family Development Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and Nicholas Aw that the changing of mindsets is crucial in transforming low tolerance or acceptance of people with special needs into mutual understanding and respect ("New campaign focuses on greater acceptance for people with disabilities”; Feb 11, "Let us walk the talk on inclusiveness"; Feb 16). 

A study by Lien Foundation found out that while Singaporeans are supportive of the idea of inclusive education, it has not been borne out by action to the same degree ("S'poreans support inclusive education but do not walk the talk: Study"; May 30, 2016).  

As a woman with a physical disability, I am not surprised by the findings, because before birth, a child with a disability is already not accorded the same value as other unborn children. 

The Guidelines on Termination of Pregnancy state that "the contents of pre-abortion counselling may be adapted for women diagnosed with foetal abnormalities". The selective abortion of unborn children with medical defects is an indication of how people can fail to recognise the inherent dignity and value of people with special needs.

In October 2014, the Health Ministry referred to a routine foetal scan at 20 weeks of pregnancy to pick up structural abnormalities as one of the reasons to justify keeping the abortion time limit at 24 weeks. 

Senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor added that keeping the abortion limit at 24 weeks "will allow these mothers some time to consider the implications and make an informed decision as to whether to keep or abort the child, without being rushed to meet a shorter cut-off time". 

The singling out of disabled unborn children to justify abortion is inconsistent with the Government's obligations to promote respect for the inherent dignity of disabled people under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Singapore ratified in July 2013.

There are legitimate concerns in raising a child with special needs but there is no legitimate reason to kill the most vulnerable member of our society. 

A "throw-away" culture will lead Singapore on a precarious path whereby the old and frail are deemed unworthy to live. True inclusiveness begins in the womb and mindset changes must be spearheaded by our Government.

46/365 Best God-help book

When Rebekah saw Isaac, she took a veil and covered herself (Genesis 24). Did wedding veil originate from there?

Dysfunctional families. So prominent in God's word. Favoritism, jealousy, envy, deception, murder etc. Name it, it's all there. Like a mirror, reflecting the sorry state of mankind. Yet God is ever so faithful. He still sent His Son, Jesus to die for us, such that we can now come boldly to the throne of grace, His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, guiding us in His truth.

Indeed there's nothing new under the sun. Answers to life's questions, all there. Feeling empty, no strength? Don't know how to move on from here? Psalms will see us through.

Best God-help book. ❤

46/365
#Heisthebeginningandtheend
#humannaturedoesnotchange

45/365 The gem in my life

By God's favour and grace, boy finally got into nursing. He is my second ex-student on the route to a meaningful mission in life. He wants to work with the elderly or children. I'm so proud of him. Though he may be looked down upon by snobbish and shallow people, he will always be a gem in my life.

My most meaningful day of love spent with young kids and the big boy. Cheering you on and looking forward to the day when you look to God to de-stress. 

45/365
#proudofspiritualson
#looktoGodnotman