Today we chose our life card and we found out we are having a baby girl! We are both very excited, and we feel very lucky that we didn't chose miscarriage or twins.
For the parents who did chose the miscarriage card, their options are;
*adoption
*artificial insemination
*find surrogate parents
*consult a doctor and attempt another pregnancy
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Eight Weeks Pregnant
At eight weeks after conception, the child is growing rapidly. The facial features have begun to appear, upper lip and nose have formed, eye lenses have to developed into visible eyes. The child's limbs sprout and keep growing longer; arms are shaped like paddles. The baby's body begins to straighten out; movement begins, but the mother is unable to feel it.
The child has grown to 14-22 mm long.
Since the child is about the size of a pinto bean, he/she won't be noticeable. The mother may experience more nausea, morning sickness, lots of abdominal pain, anxiety, tiredness, increased blood flow to the cheeks; ("pregnancy glow").
The chances of having twins or triplets are about 3 to 100 (only 3%) Usually, having twins or multiples depends on inheriting the gene. (most parents who are a twin conceive twins)
Choosing a doctor/midwife depends on what couples want:
*a completely organic birth with no painkillers, or a high tech hospital birth with safely administered drugs
*a doctor who will work with you and ask you what you want, or a doctor make the decisions himself
Couples should interview several doctors or midwives to see which ones they work with best, and which ones make them feel more comfortable.
Children can be born at home, though there would be no medical help or any medical technology.
Once the mother knows she is pregnant she should stop drinking any alcohol and any drug intake, including smoking.
The child has grown to 14-22 mm long.
Since the child is about the size of a pinto bean, he/she won't be noticeable. The mother may experience more nausea, morning sickness, lots of abdominal pain, anxiety, tiredness, increased blood flow to the cheeks; ("pregnancy glow").
The chances of having twins or triplets are about 3 to 100 (only 3%) Usually, having twins or multiples depends on inheriting the gene. (most parents who are a twin conceive twins)
Choosing a doctor/midwife depends on what couples want:
*a completely organic birth with no painkillers, or a high tech hospital birth with safely administered drugs
*a doctor who will work with you and ask you what you want, or a doctor make the decisions himself
Couples should interview several doctors or midwives to see which ones they work with best, and which ones make them feel more comfortable.
Children can be born at home, though there would be no medical help or any medical technology.
Once the mother knows she is pregnant she should stop drinking any alcohol and any drug intake, including smoking.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Four Weeks Pregnant
1# When the mother is four weeks pregnant, the embryo has implanted itself into the uterine lining, to secure a "home" for the next nine months. This is the beginning of the embryonic period, when the new child is the most vulnerable (the organs commence development)
He/she is about 0.5 millimeters long, and the placenta is beginning formation to bring the child oxygen and nourishment. Also developing are the amniotic cavity for space, and amniotic fluid which will cushion the child during growth.
Here are the vital body parts that begin maturing:
*eyes and ears
*the brain and spinal cord
*the heart and liver
*the stomach and intestines
*bone tissue
2# The mother will experience early pregnancy symptoms such as violent mood swings, cramping, headaches, dizziness, nausea, hormone surges, high body temperature, pressure on the lower abdomen, and implantation bleeding.
The Father will experience "sympathy pains"; many similar symptoms as the mother such as weight gain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, high body temperatures and hormonal changes.
Emotions that are most often felt during pregnancy are anxiety, worry, uncertainty, wonder, and acute unmitigated affection for the unborn child.
3# Some things that the Mother and Father should consider doing after they have discovered she's pregnant:
~ take childbirth classes / CPR classes
~ childproof the house (sharp countertops, swinging doors, slippery stairs)
~ make sure all pets are vaccinated
~ stop drinking alcoholic substances
~ stop abusing drugs
~ quit smoking
He/she is about 0.5 millimeters long, and the placenta is beginning formation to bring the child oxygen and nourishment. Also developing are the amniotic cavity for space, and amniotic fluid which will cushion the child during growth.
Here are the vital body parts that begin maturing:
*eyes and ears
*the brain and spinal cord
*the heart and liver
*the stomach and intestines
*bone tissue
2# The mother will experience early pregnancy symptoms such as violent mood swings, cramping, headaches, dizziness, nausea, hormone surges, high body temperature, pressure on the lower abdomen, and implantation bleeding.
The Father will experience "sympathy pains"; many similar symptoms as the mother such as weight gain, abdominal discomfort, nausea, high body temperatures and hormonal changes.
Emotions that are most often felt during pregnancy are anxiety, worry, uncertainty, wonder, and acute unmitigated affection for the unborn child.
3# Some things that the Mother and Father should consider doing after they have discovered she's pregnant:
~ take childbirth classes / CPR classes
~ childproof the house (sharp countertops, swinging doors, slippery stairs)
~ make sure all pets are vaccinated
~ stop drinking alcoholic substances
~ stop abusing drugs
~ quit smoking
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Task Two
Genetically engineered foods should be labeled.
As we have said earlier, consumers have a right to know exactly what is in their food.
What should be listed on this label?
GE producers should be required to list ALL transgenic ingredients that the product contains and ALL ingredients obtained from other transgenic organisms, followed by the exact amount of each component. The labeling should also list if the product contains any GE materials that commonly cause allergies (modified peanuts, cereals, coconuts...) After further research, if any harmful qualities are detected in GE products, every damaging side effect should be labeled clearly, along with the rest of the ingredients.
Also, we think that there should be a code of hazard symbols created so GE products are easily recognizable.
Are genetically engineered foods a hazard to the environment?
No harmful effects have been detected. Genetically modified foods are unpredictable.
Still, environmentalists have discussed many possible consequences.
* The crops which have been modified to repel weeds could mutate and create even stronger weeds. The same could happen with crops that have been modified to repel insects. These "super weeds" or "super bugs" would be twice as hard to control as the originals.
* The modified pesticides could leave toxic residue in the soils.
* Wind, rain, birds, bees, could carry genetically modified pollen to non GE farmer's fields.
* The genetically modified plants could be poisonous to harmless insects and animals.
* Gene splicing could result in unanticipated and disastrous creations of new viruses and bacterias.
* The genetically modified species could overpower and potentially destroy the original organic species.
Should they only be allowed under strict government regulation?
We think that it would be best if GE products were strictly managed under only government control. Since GE products are essentially "alive" (they reproduce, migrate, mutate...ect.) they cannot be recalled back to the laboratory once they are introduced to the world.
If the government decides to only use GE product when absolutely needed (hunger famine, natural disasters) then maybe, the potential dangerous effects could be minimized.
As we have said earlier, consumers have a right to know exactly what is in their food.
What should be listed on this label?
GE producers should be required to list ALL transgenic ingredients that the product contains and ALL ingredients obtained from other transgenic organisms, followed by the exact amount of each component. The labeling should also list if the product contains any GE materials that commonly cause allergies (modified peanuts, cereals, coconuts...) After further research, if any harmful qualities are detected in GE products, every damaging side effect should be labeled clearly, along with the rest of the ingredients.
Also, we think that there should be a code of hazard symbols created so GE products are easily recognizable.
Are genetically engineered foods a hazard to the environment?
No harmful effects have been detected. Genetically modified foods are unpredictable.
Still, environmentalists have discussed many possible consequences.
* The crops which have been modified to repel weeds could mutate and create even stronger weeds. The same could happen with crops that have been modified to repel insects. These "super weeds" or "super bugs" would be twice as hard to control as the originals.
* The modified pesticides could leave toxic residue in the soils.
* Wind, rain, birds, bees, could carry genetically modified pollen to non GE farmer's fields.
* The genetically modified plants could be poisonous to harmless insects and animals.
* Gene splicing could result in unanticipated and disastrous creations of new viruses and bacterias.
* The genetically modified species could overpower and potentially destroy the original organic species.
Should they only be allowed under strict government regulation?
We think that it would be best if GE products were strictly managed under only government control. Since GE products are essentially "alive" (they reproduce, migrate, mutate...ect.) they cannot be recalled back to the laboratory once they are introduced to the world.
If the government decides to only use GE product when absolutely needed (hunger famine, natural disasters) then maybe, the potential dangerous effects could be minimized.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Discussion (notes)
On Friday, the legislators of the class discussed the pros and cons of our labeling situation.
For those who were averse to labeling, their main support was that no negative affects have been detected. There is also the fact that consumers who prefer non-GE foods already have the option of buying authentic organic foods, which would make labeling seem pointless. Furthermore, there could be severe effects on the economy and trade system, because of the technical issues that must be resolved before a law is passed.
For those who were keen on labeling, their main support was that the public has a right to know exactly what they are buying and eating. (especially those with allergies or religious/ethical beliefs) Health and environmental concerns have been raised to wether these products could harm people or the earth; but as our anti-labeling representatives so clearly pointed out, no significant differences have been found.
We still came to conclusion that, yes, GE foods should be labeled, mainly for the safety, rights and beliefs of the consumers.
For those who were averse to labeling, their main support was that no negative affects have been detected. There is also the fact that consumers who prefer non-GE foods already have the option of buying authentic organic foods, which would make labeling seem pointless. Furthermore, there could be severe effects on the economy and trade system, because of the technical issues that must be resolved before a law is passed.
For those who were keen on labeling, their main support was that the public has a right to know exactly what they are buying and eating. (especially those with allergies or religious/ethical beliefs) Health and environmental concerns have been raised to wether these products could harm people or the earth; but as our anti-labeling representatives so clearly pointed out, no significant differences have been found.
We still came to conclusion that, yes, GE foods should be labeled, mainly for the safety, rights and beliefs of the consumers.
Legislature Statement
We believe that as legislatures, we should support what we think is best for our constituents, therefore we have decided to support GE labeling.
The consumers have a right to know what is in their food, and people with certain needs (such as people who suffer from serious allergies, people who are vegetarian or vegan, and people with strict religious beliefs) must be able to choose what is best for them.
We think that if the food industries start small by only labeling foods that have forgone the greatest alterations, this new law will not have any drastic affect on the economy. Once the food industries adjust to accommodate these new standards, we can move towards having labels on every GE product available for consumption.
The consumers have a right to know what is in their food, and people with certain needs (such as people who suffer from serious allergies, people who are vegetarian or vegan, and people with strict religious beliefs) must be able to choose what is best for them.
We think that if the food industries start small by only labeling foods that have forgone the greatest alterations, this new law will not have any drastic affect on the economy. Once the food industries adjust to accommodate these new standards, we can move towards having labels on every GE product available for consumption.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
I'm a Powerful Legislature (role play)
My duty as part of the legislative body of the Food and Agriculture Committee is to sponsor a bill that would require the food industry to label genetically modified foods.
Only 40% of the U.S. population actually knows that some of our daily basic foods are genetically modified. This begs a question. Should we know? There are pros and cons to each side.
Just the same, most consumers would say yes. They have a right to know exactly what is in their food, especially when it concerns people with health problems. Labeling would allow them to easily avoid products that might cause them harm even though many U.S. government officials argue that genetically modified food "poses no inherent safety risk".
Still, there are people who have religious and ethical standards, and they need labels to steer clear of certain foods that violate their beliefs. (certain products may contain animal DNA)
A downside of GE labels is the harsh affects on the economy. If a large percentage of consumers avoid these products then retailers might have to eliminate all GE products from their stock permanently. Food storage and shipments would have to segregate GE and non GE, which our food system infrastructure is not prepared for.
Nevertheless, my answer to this question would have to be yes. If the food industry eases into labeling; starting with the food that foregoes the greatest alterations, we could partially satisfy those who are for GE awareness and those who are averse to it. A compromise.
For now, all we can hope for are advancements in technology to be certain that there are no negative affects of GE food and to assure consumers that they can be open to anything.
Only 40% of the U.S. population actually knows that some of our daily basic foods are genetically modified. This begs a question. Should we know? There are pros and cons to each side.
Just the same, most consumers would say yes. They have a right to know exactly what is in their food, especially when it concerns people with health problems. Labeling would allow them to easily avoid products that might cause them harm even though many U.S. government officials argue that genetically modified food "poses no inherent safety risk".
Still, there are people who have religious and ethical standards, and they need labels to steer clear of certain foods that violate their beliefs. (certain products may contain animal DNA)
A downside of GE labels is the harsh affects on the economy. If a large percentage of consumers avoid these products then retailers might have to eliminate all GE products from their stock permanently. Food storage and shipments would have to segregate GE and non GE, which our food system infrastructure is not prepared for.
Nevertheless, my answer to this question would have to be yes. If the food industry eases into labeling; starting with the food that foregoes the greatest alterations, we could partially satisfy those who are for GE awareness and those who are averse to it. A compromise.
For now, all we can hope for are advancements in technology to be certain that there are no negative affects of GE food and to assure consumers that they can be open to anything.
Background Infomation
1# Food Biotechnology is basically modifying the genes of animals, plants, and microorganisms to create new higher quality species. These new types usually comprise desired effects of faster production, better marketing, or nutrition benefits.
There has been much controversy over wether food biotechnology is a good thing or a bad thing.
2# Genetically Engineered Foods are foods that consist of genetically modified organisms. There has been particular changes made to the organisms' DNA through genetic engineering; usually for a beneficial reason. Corn, soya beans, sugar cane, and cotton, are some example of GMs.
3# Potential Benefits of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--possibly could eliminate allergy-causing characteristics
--pest/weed resistance
--disease resistance
--cold resistance
--environmental friendly, lower maintenance
--capable to be shipped long distances
--nutrition value, better flavor
--a possible answer to feeding the world's growing population
4# Potential Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--There is no proof that there are no risks of GM foods (no risks have been evaluated)
--There could be unpredictable effects of manipulating genes
--The research may be being handled by big profit hungry corporations
--This could create ecological problems
--The gene manipulating of plants could also affect weeds; causing the growth of super weeds
There has been much controversy over wether food biotechnology is a good thing or a bad thing.
2# Genetically Engineered Foods are foods that consist of genetically modified organisms. There has been particular changes made to the organisms' DNA through genetic engineering; usually for a beneficial reason. Corn, soya beans, sugar cane, and cotton, are some example of GMs.
3# Potential Benefits of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--possibly could eliminate allergy-causing characteristics
--pest/weed resistance
--disease resistance
--cold resistance
--environmental friendly, lower maintenance
--capable to be shipped long distances
--nutrition value, better flavor
--a possible answer to feeding the world's growing population
4# Potential Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods are:
--There is no proof that there are no risks of GM foods (no risks have been evaluated)
--There could be unpredictable effects of manipulating genes
--The research may be being handled by big profit hungry corporations
--This could create ecological problems
--The gene manipulating of plants could also affect weeds; causing the growth of super weeds
 |
| against genetic food modification |
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| pro-genetic food modification |
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