Abstract

MAROJA, Flaviana Estrela  and  LAINE, Agnès. Expecting the Messiah: considerations about designer's babies to cure a sibling. Mental [online]. 2011, vol.9, n.17, pp. 571-587. ISSN 1679-4427.

Since the first test-tube babies, the pace of innovation is quickly increasing in the field of procreation. But all of these scientific discoveries of recent times make us reflect on the psychological effects on those involved. This article was aimed to reflect on planned pregnancy in the hope of giving birth to a child capable of helping to cure sickle cell anemia in an older sibling. Three recorded interviews were made with pregnant women who have had genetic counseling in sickle cell disease centers in Parisian hospitals. This study indicates that the woman's desire to become pregnant is dedicated to curing the serious disease of an older child. The pregnancy itself is disinvested and representations of the future baby are poor. Thus, further research is needed to understand this current issue and to evaluate psychological risks.

Keywords : "Designers-babies"; pregnancy; psychology; sickle cell disease; genetic counseling.

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