Censoring a science text (Canada).Prince Rupert--"What's wrong with human reproduction?" asked a middle school student. The question was prompted by a notice to his parents that a chapter in his science text (Science Probe, Bullard, Grace et al, Toronto, Nelson, 1997) had been removed by Catholic school authorities. The textbook's presentation of reproduction "for continuation of a species", while biologically factual, was intellectually inadequate and spiritually sterile. There were two key statements in the excised chapter: that the union of sperm and egg produces a "fertilized egg" (pp. 143,145, 149, 153,154), and that pregnancy begins when the "fertilized egg" is implanted in the uterine wall (p. 149). Both are inaccurate and unscientific assertions that contradict widely recognized authorities on human embryology 1. The branch of biology that deals with the formation, early growth, and development of living organisms. 2. The embryonic structure or development of an organism. Once fertilization is complete, the egg does not exist and pregnancy has begun. What does exist is the single cell human zygote 1. The cell that is formed by the union of two gametes, especially a fertilized ovum before cleavage. 2. The organism that develops from a zygote. zy·got, the beginning of the embryonic stage of growth of a genetically unique male or female human being. (On these points, refer to Dianne Irving, "When do human beings begin? 'Scientific' myths and scientific facts", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 1999, 19:3/4:22-47. Irving also recommends Bruce M. Carlson, Human Embryology and Developmental Biology (St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 1994), and Keith L. Moore and T.V.N. Persaud, The Developing Human (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1998). Comment The term "fertilized egg" implicitly denies that a human being exists from the moment of conception. Beginning with the error of the "fertilized egg", then, and continuing with the error that pregnancy begins at implantation, the chapter prepares students to accept eugenic testing, embryonic experimentation, artificial reproduction, and the use of abortifacient 1. causing abortion. 2. an agent that induces abortion. a·bor·ti·fa·cient (  -bôr t drugs (cleverly marketed as 'emergency contraception'). And one can see why. For if what exists between fertilization and implantation is not a human being but only human genetic material, it becomes difficult to see why any of these procedures should be considered murder. They are certainly immoral. While all of this can be explained in staff memos or meetings, it is rather awkward to include it, in a note going home in a lunchpail of a 12-year-old: hence the mystery of the missing pages. The solution of the mystery, however, provides an opportunity to explain Catholic teaching, and a reminder that even shiny new textbooks may contain significant flaws. Science material must be factual, but it must also be truthful. It must present the whole truth about "man", and there is more to "man" than biology--much more. Thus, the first and overarching criticism was that the theme of the chapter is animal and functional, completely excluding the personal, the intimate, and the moral. But human sexuality is radically different from human digestion or respiration. The difference arises first because sexuality engages the will, the heart and natural instincts in a way which other bodily functions do not. Secondly, it arises from the direct and personal interest of God in human sexuality, expressed in His creation of man, male and female. God personally intervenes in the creation of new life, and in the divine institution of the sacrament of matrimony. A Catholic understanding of human sexuality must be imparted within the context of morality and sacramental marriage. This leaves it within the 'appropriate' context of anatomy, biology or social science, but also places it squarely within the most significant context--that of man as the image of God. Above all, this incident should draw attention to the need for all science teachers in Catholic schools to be critical of the textbooks they are using. Sean Murphy The World Those who see people as the world's biggest problem had a huge media blitz on October 12, the day which The United Nations Population Fund (UNEPA UNEPA - Uganda Newspapers Editors and Proprietor Association) and the population control crowd ("pop cons") have designated as a day of disaster and doom. The occasion? The estimated day of birth of the 6 billionth person on earth. Pop cons say, "Horrors!" I say, and invite all people of good will to say, "Welcome!" For unto us this day a child is born. A child is a sign of hope, not gloom. (Thank you, John Mallon of Oklahoma, for sending this message, which originally appeared in The Daily Oklahoman.) |
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