Birth Defects Essay -- essays research papers

extradite DefectsNo peerless is immune to birth defects, yet non everyone is as susceptible.Birth defects are not merely a medical problem. They wee profound effects onthe social and psychological well existence of their family and friends.In the normal course of fetal development, cells migrate to theirappropriate polish so that organs and limbs form where they should. Usually,the genes perform flawlessly, but mistakes can and do occur. Some of the mostcommon birth defects results from the interaction between one or two abnormalgenes out of 100,000 that make up who we are. This is caused by the genesparents pass on or effected by drugs and alcohol upon the foetus of a new born(p)child.Downs syndrome, the most common genetic illness formerly known asmongolism, "occurs one in every 6 hundred births throughout the world" ( Storm102). It is caused by chromosomal error, where there is an extra chromosome 21.Instead of pick up two chromosomes as does a normal indi vidual, there are three.These childrens features include up slanted eyelids, depressed foreheads, listening loss, dental problems, poor speech development, heart unhealthiness andintestinal problems where operating room is required. Parents feel very dish upless andguilty in many of these and equivalent situations, feeling as if they are abnormal.However most can register to walk, talk, dress themselves and eat. Special workprograms are available that can help the child reach their education level. Alsothese work programs help takes finish up the many stresses facing parents. They nolonger ease up to go it alone.Tay Sachs disease is another selective genetic disorder that destroyednerve cells. This causes psychological retardation, loss of muscle control and death.Children who inherit an abnormal gene from twain parents will inherit the decease.The carrier parents claim one normal gene and one defective gene. Carriers ofTay-Sachs disease have no symptoms. " If two carri ers have children, each childhas twenty-five percent chance of acquire the defective gene (both parents)"(Strom 174). These children are unable to produce an enzyme that breaks downfats in the brain and nerve cells. The cells become clogged with fat and preventthe cells from run normally. Within three to four years their bodiesdies.Sandra vividly remembers how happy she was to have a baby brotherand what a beautiful, h... ... be wrong." Since two hundred and fifty thousand babies with birth defects of varyingseverity are born in the United States each year" ( Gravelle 6), it would behard not to meet some of these people. In the past few decades, many strideshave been taken to help understand the causes of such diseases with hope of sermons and cures. Also working of decision ways to help the parents cope withtheir emotional devastation have been taken as many accomplishments have beenmade. Parents are now finding ways to move past their anger and frustration andenjoy a loving relationship with their child. With a wider knowledge ofinformation available and treatment to drug addits families can pull though.Caring for a child is a tough emotional and physical battle but should always belooked as a gift, these children have much to offer.Work CitedDarling, Jon. Children Who Are Different. Toronto The C.V. Mosby Company, 1982.Gardner, Suzy. inwardness Abuse During Pregnancy Protecting The Foetus And NewBorn Child. Norwich UEA Norwich., 1992. Gravelle, Karen. perceptiveness BirthDefects. U.S.A Frankin Watts, 1990. Strom, Charles. Heredity and Ability.U.S.A Plenum Press, 1990.