Bolt458:
I am not writing this for religious people to come with their funny talks, I am just putting this out here to hear from people who might have tried this methods or who heard about this methods and still proceeded or did not. I want to hear your experience. I have been dating someone for 5 years now, it happened that I began to see her as someone I would want to spend my life with. Last year we did our genotype test and we were both AS. Now , I know some of you will say this should be the first thing you ask when you meet someone but c’mon, would you say people in university that are dating now, would ask their sef that question? That theory is only feasible when you are single and ready to get married and want to start a new relationship, then you can always ask, but we all know some of our relationships started when we no Dey even see marriage in the nearest future, all of a sudden you just see them as the right person and you take the bold step. Now, I had to meet my family doctor here in Canada, I explained to him my current situation and he referred me to a GENETIC COUNSELOR. I am trying to take the necessary steps cause I am not ready to bring in a child with Sickle cell to this world, and I am not leaving anything to faith. A fone appointment was set with the counselor and we spoke at length. She told me that in every foetus, there is a 25% chance that we can get an SS child. Now , how do we mitigate this percentage to the barest minimum I asked as I am not even ready to bring in a sickler to this world. She gave me three options, I would rather say two because the last involves test when the baby comes, and that is out of the question.
Option 1:
A) CVS: They take a sample of the fluid in the womb through her vagina, at 12 weeks to test, if it’s good then fine, if not we have to terminate.
OR
B) At 16 weeks, they take the fluid using a needle directly from her womb, and if it’s SS , they terminate. Both procedures are cover by the government and we don’t need to pay a dime.
Now, she assured me that abortion is a very safe procedure if done properly, and it is even a bigger risk that one can die from a penicillin injection or carrying a pregnancy to term than any harm during an abortion.I know many people would come here and say abortion is this and that but let us be frank to ourselves. If you were told that the child in your womb would have cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome or a neurological disorder, would you still keep that pregnancy? Is there a 100% assurance that two AA people would give birth to a healthy baby? I have come to a realization that pregnancy is just a risk that people take, cus you really don’t know how your child would turn out.
Option 2:
PGD. This is just like IVF, where they would select the genotype before they insert back to the womb. She told me the government doesn’t cover this, and it could cost between $10K- $40k. However she mentioned, just like IVf, it is not guaranteed as it can fail and your money is gone.
I discussed this with my girl in Nigeria and she said she was fine with option 1a. I then asked her, that if the first, second are SS would she still remove it. She accepted. I would not lie to you, this girl is everything I want in a woman. I am not just looking at just love because I know love fades with time, but she is a really nice person, and has a good character. She has always been like this from my days in Nigeria because I was with her before I moved outside. Now after finding out our genotype, I tried to get into a relationship with AA. The first one Dey nigeria, she is a nice person, beautiful, but I just didn’t like her or feel attracted to her. She got tire and we just free ourselves, the second one is here in Canada, I just don’t like this one . Please note, I never slept with any of these ladies because I feel it’s not fair.
Now my question is for those who knew all this and still proceeded, how did it work out for you?
I repeat, don’t come here to tell me about how abortion is this and dat. Cus I know if they tell any of you that your child would be abnormal, 90% of you will go for the abortion
The dilemma you're facing is indeed a complex one, deeply tied to personal, moral, and medical decisions. As an AI, I don't have personal feelings or beliefs but I can provide advice based on information and perspective.
Here are some potential approaches:
Keep an open mind: First, it's important to remember that there's no one-size-fits-all advice for this situation. What matters is what both of you are comfortable with and can live with. It's okay to take your time to come to a decision, and it's also okay to change your mind if your initial plan doesn't feel right later on.
Understand the risks: You've already done some research on this, and you understand there's a 25% chance that your child could inherit sickle cell anemia if both parents are carriers. This risk is real, but it's also worth noting that there's a 75% chance that your child will not have the disease.
Consider medical options: Both options presented by the genetic counselor have their pros and cons. In option 1 (CVS or amniocentesis), there's a risk of miscarriage and repeated emotional trauma if the fetus tests positive for SS. In option 2 (PGD), it's expensive, not guaranteed to work, and could involve physical and emotional strain. You should further explore these options with your partner and your medical team.
Mental and Emotional Health: This process can be emotionally taxing, and it's important to seek emotional support. This could come from therapists, support groups, or simply talking openly with each other. Your partner may bear the physical burdens, but you both share the emotional ones.
Values and Beliefs: Consider your personal, religious, or cultural beliefs around topics like abortion and IVF. If you have moral or ethical concerns, discuss them with your partner, religious advisor, or a counselor.
Future Planning: Even with genetic testing and medical procedures, there's no guarantee of a 'perfect' outcome. Life is full of uncertainties, and all you can do is make the best decisions with the information you have.
Honest Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your partner. Discussing fears, expectations, and potential outcomes can help make these difficult decisions easier.
Respect Your Partner's Choice: It's crucial to remember that any decisions involving pregnancy and potential termination should be a shared decision, but your partner ultimately has the final say, as it involves her body. Respect and support her choices.
Lastly, it's important to talk to professionals. Discuss these concerns with a genetic counselor or a trusted medical professional who can provide personalized advice based on your situation. Their expertise and knowledge can help guide you through this process and can provide a clearer understanding of your options.