Beth Whitehouse

Stacy and Steve Trebing's second child, Katie, was born with a rare blood disorder, Diamond Blackfan anemia, which prevents the production of red blood cells. Little Katie had to have blood transfusions as often as once a month. The only known cure was a bone marrow transplant. When the Trebings decided to have a third child, they decided to have in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic testing so that the new baby would be a match for a bone marrow transplant for Katie. Although I do have some ethical questions about these procedures, I did admire the determination the Trebings had to follow this through and do what they needed to do for their family. The author wrote a well researched book that I enjoyed reading.… (plus d'informations)

Wow. What a book. This book was amazingly written and well researched. I always thought that I was a believer in savior babies and while this book didn't change that, there were several times that gave me pause and made me wonder at what point is the risk too much?

I really appreciated the extent to which Whitehouse went to share both sides of the issue. I realized at the end that the book was actually based on a magazine series and I thought she did an excellent job of reporting the story while still making the human interest piece available. I feel like i have a much better and clearer understanding of both the scientific process and the heart wrenching reality that families face when dealing with chronic diseases.… (plus d'informations)

This book about a husband and wife who decide to use genetically matched embryos so their daughter can have a bone marrow transplant to cure her rare anemia. The author does a good job of giving the history of IVF and genetic selection of embryos. Some of the book was mundane as the author told about everyday activities that the family was doing. The only reason I can think for this is because she wanted to show the reader that this was a normal family who had to continue living their lives as their daughter went through painful treatments. I had a difficult time forming an opinion about the topic of this book. I know that I would do anything to save either one of my children's lives, so I cannot pass judgment upon these parents. I can tell that Ms. Whitehouse leaned towards supporting the family, but I appreciate the extensive background and history she gave.… (plus d'informations)