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.
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.
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.
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.