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Notes from a sinful mother... I have only 3 things to say about this recent media campaign: First, I think Tanis is right on about the motive being politically and economically derived. And, I would add, there is a mytho- religious aspect, as well. >>Edwards, speaking at an ***international fertility conference***, said that he welcomed the dawn of an age in which every child would be wanted and genetically acceptable. . . We are entering a world where we have to consider the quality of our children."<< Secondly, there is something symbolic about using a mouthwash to detect 'defective' genes in the mother... >>The NHS is also considering a national screening programme for cystic fibrosis, with pregnant women offered a mouthwash for genetic diagnosis of cells from the inside of the cheek to find whether they are carriers of the CF gene.<< And third, check out the upcoming Fall issue of DSQ for two eloquent poems by Johnson Cheu, who 'absolves' his 'guilty' parents from 'sin' --and who writes so sensitively that every parent and (adult) child will rethink this whole bloody issue. Finally (okay, four things to say), I am aghast to see this mentality in print; and I only hope I can articulate a worthy response... after my fury subsides. I hope there is a campaign by UK parents to DRAIN Mr. Edwards' gene 'pool' of its swampy, Third Reich debris. Sheesh! Dona M. Avery Arizona State University Tempe, AZ 85287-0302 www.public.asu.edu/~donam %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%