Knowledge Is Power, But Ignorance Is Bliss

When people learn about Mackenzie, they always ask, "Did you know before she was born?"

The answer on one hand is yes, but on the other, no.


We knew that she might be different, we had no idea how she would be different.


But then, we are all different. One of my favorite bumper stickers proclaims:



Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else!




















On September 15th, 2000 at about 2:30 PM, God blessed us forever with a tiny precious visitor who changed our lives completely.







The previous weeks had been exciting, scary, and frustrating. Dr McNally and our midwife, Esther, knew that there were problems, they had said as much.



Esther had followed Michelle's pregnancy from the start. As a Certified Nurse Midwife she had seen Michelle on each of her prenatal OB visits to Dr McNally's office. She had offered encouragement, experience, advice, her private home number, and 24/7 availability. When her patients worry, she does her best to calm their fears. Esther is magnificent at what she does, so is , as it happens, Dr Dennis McNally.




It was Dr McNally who first suggested genetic counseling. In older couples, he explained there are some risks that younger couples seldom have to consider. He recommended genetic counseling, and set up an appointment at the University of South Alabama's Center for Genetic Studies. There were urine tests, blood tests, and ultra-sonography. There were personality profiles, that probed deep into sensitive, and personal ethical issues. Then, there was the recommendation.

Amniocentesis.



Amniocentesis?



Amniocentesis, or amnio, for short, is a relatively common procedure in which a needle is inserted into the mother's abdomen and amniotic fluid is aspirated from the womb into a syringe for testing. Although incidents are few, amniocentesis has certain risks both for the mother and for the unborn child.



The "high tech", 3-D ultrasound had revealed "cysts" on the crichoid plexus of the baby's brain. The geneticist explained that in about 10% of cases, or fewer, these cysts are markers for genetic, or chromosomal anomalies. The only way to be certain is to test amniotic fluid.


The question is: what does one do with the information?



Obviously if the amnio results are negative for a genetic or chromosomal defect, one celebrates.



The dilemma presents itself when the test results come back positive.



The genetic counselor's position in presenting the recommendation for an amniocentesis was that it would provide information needed for making an informed decision to terminate the pregnancy, maintaining that carrying such a pregnancy to term puts the mother at risk.


The counselor it seems is unaware that terminating a pregnancy puts the unborn child at risk, almost every time.


There is also the argument that the results of the amnio will help the couple prepare for the added stresses that having a "special needs" baby presents.


On the other hand, having the knowledge that their unborn infant has a fatal condition that usually ends in miscarriage, or at best only hours or days of life, isn't exactly the way for an excited happy couple to stay excited and happy.



" Trust the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth."


Ignorance it is said, is bliss. Every day is a blessing that we exchange for either joy or fear. Every moment is a choice.


Given the possible risks incurred from an amniocentesis, and benefits that the information obtained from the procedure could provide. We carefully considered our options, and when the counselor asked us, we chose bliss.