Case Study

PSYC 2314: Lifespan Growth and Development

Case Study #1: Selecting the Perfect Baby

The research team assembled quietly in the lab. There were some difficult decisions to be made today. Kelly, a new research assistant, looked forward to the discussion. Privately, she hoped Dr. Wagner and the rest of the team would agree to help the couple that had appealed to them.

“Good morning, everyone,” Dr. Wagner began the meeting. “We have a lot to talk about. I’ll summarize this case for those of you who may not have had time to read the file. Larry and June Shannon have been married six years. They have a four-year-old daughter named Sally who has been diagnosed with Fanconi anemia. Sally was born without thumbs and with a hole in her heart. Shortly after her birth, she began suffering symptoms related to impaired kidney function and digestion that have only increased in severity. Fanconi anemia is a progressive disease that often results in physical abnormalities and a compromised immune system. Sally needs a lot of special care and has already had several surgeries. She can’t digest food normally or fight off infections as easily as a normal child would. If she doesn’t receive a bone marrow transplant, she will develop leukemia and die, most likely within the next three to four years. Neither Larry nor June had any clue they were both carriers of this disease.”

“A frightening diagnosis,” said Kevin, a research technician.

“Difficult to live with as well. Not only will they probably lose this child, they must be crushed about the possibility of having another child with this illness,” commented Liz Schultz, the team’s postdoctoral researcher in gynecology and fertility.

“Exactly their problem,” continued Dr. Wagner. “The Shannons are interested in having another child and have approached us regarding pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). They are aware of the risks and the odds of success. They are anxious to begin the process as soon as possible.”...