how was dna profiling used in the baby theresa case

2 min read 24-01-2025

how was dna profiling used in the baby theresa case

The Baby Theresa case, a complex and ethically charged medical situation, involved the use of DNA profiling to resolve a crucial question: Was Baby Theresa, an anencephalic infant, biologically related to her parents? This seemingly simple question held immense legal and ethical implications, as it directly impacted decisions about organ donation. This article will detail how DNA profiling was instrumental in unraveling this medical mystery.

Understanding the Baby Theresa Case

Baby Theresa was born with anencephaly, a severe birth defect where a significant portion of the brain and skull are missing. This condition is incompatible with life outside the womb, and infants typically survive only a short time. The parents, facing the heartbreaking reality of their daughter's condition, considered organ donation. However, a legal dispute arose concerning the legitimacy of the parents' claim to the baby and whether or not they had the authority to consent to organ donation.

The Role of DNA Profiling

The central question—was Baby Theresa biologically related to her parents?—was answered definitively through DNA profiling. This technique compares the DNA of individuals to determine biological relationships. It's based on the principle that individuals inherit half of their DNA from each parent. Therefore, a close genetic match between a child and parents confirms biological parentage.

The Process:

Sample Collection: DNA samples were collected from Baby Theresa, her parents, and potentially other individuals involved in the case. These samples could have included blood, tissue samples, or buccal swabs (cheek swabs).
DNA Extraction: DNA was extracted from the collected samples using standard laboratory techniques. This process separates DNA from other cellular components.
STR Analysis: Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis was likely performed. This is a common technique in forensic DNA analysis that examines variations in short, repeated DNA sequences. The pattern of STRs is highly individualized and can be used to compare the DNA of different individuals.
Comparison and Analysis: The STR profiles of Baby Theresa and her parents were compared. A significant degree of matching between Baby Theresa's DNA and her parents' DNA would conclusively establish the biological relationship.

Resolving the Question of Parentage

The results of the DNA profiling in Baby Theresa's case were crucial. A strong match between Baby Theresa's DNA profile and the genetic profiles of her parents would unequivocally confirm the biological connection. This information was vital to ensuring the legality of any organ donation decisions. Without this confirmation, legal challenges could have prevented the donation, even if the parents were acting in good faith.

The Ethical Implications

The Baby Theresa case highlighted the intersection of medical technology and ethical considerations. While DNA profiling provided a clear answer regarding parentage, the larger question of organ donation from an anencephalic infant remained intensely debated. The case sparked extensive discussion about the definition of death, the moral permissibility of using organs from infants with severe disabilities, and the rights of parents versus the potential benefits for others.

Conclusion

DNA profiling played a critical, albeit somewhat understated, role in the Baby Theresa case. By providing irrefutable proof of parentage, it ensured the legal framework around organ donation could operate fairly and transparently. Although this aspect of the case was resolved with scientific certainty, it's imperative to remember that the broader ethical dilemmas raised by the case continue to require careful consideration. The case serves as a powerful reminder of how advancements in technology interact with longstanding ethical and legal questions.