Evidence of meeting #86 for Health in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was diseases.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
I think families will make their own personal decisions. But I'm wondering, could the state suddenly say “My gosh, this person is going to be a serious serial murderer and we don't want this child...? I mean, there are things where states can do that. We've seen that happen.
4:55 p.m.
National Coordinator, Orphanet Canada
Well, yeah.... The history is there in many jurisdictions, including my own province, so you're right. I guess I would have to reflect back and look at my colleagues who are in government and hope that's not the case. I guess it's a theoretical fear. I don't see that coming. I think these are always going to be decisions between parents and their doctors.
I will add that this technology will advance, and the ability to test pregnancies in different ways will come, and it will come in the U.S. Again, I think it's simply a matter we should think about at a legislative level and a thoughtful level.
5 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
Dr. Innes, thank you very much.
That was, indeed, a very insightful question and an important one.
I want to thank Ms. Micallef and Dr. Innes for coming today and contributing very much to our technological innovation study.
I want to thank the committee members as well. I understand the bells are going to ring at 5:15 p.m.
The meeting is adjourned.