On my soap box ...

[hemet dennis]

Quote:
thank you for the information. it sounds like it wasn't tested on pregnant women to see if it caused damage. usually if tested the side effects like you listed are regrettable but people are usually warned that it might have complications with the child.

You need to remember that this was the 1950's and testing wasn't the same as now.

 

[Bunnylady]

Bunnylady I have no idea what Thalidomide is used for or does for a fetus, but I do know there are occasions that Doctors have little or no choice in using some medications, it means doing damage or death to a fetus, or harm to an adult to preserve the adults life is a tough choice but sometimes one that must be made, killing a fetus, causing harm to an adult with a medication or surgery to preserve their life is a regrettable fact of life.

Thalidomide is a drug that was introduced in the 1950's, one of the things it is used for is as an anti-nausea drug. It was widely given to pregnant women to combat morning sickness. It became notorious when it was realized that it is teratogenic (causes birth defects); thousands of children were born with limbs missing, etc. because their mothers took this drug while they were pregnant. For a while, the term "Thalidomide Baby" was commonplace. Many lessons were learned; many changes were made in how drugs are tested and prescribed as a result. Thalidomide is still around - I believe it is sometimes prescribed for cancer patients to help them deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.

But more relevant to the topic - one example of a GMO is Golden Rice. Normally, beta-carotene isn't found in grains of rice. In some parts of the world, rice is the main component of a lot of people's diets; diets deficient in beta-carotene (it gets converted to vitamin A) can lead to blindness in children. Somebody came up with the idea to borrow a couple of genes from a couple of other plants, and "teach" the rice plant to put beta carotene in the part of the plant that people eat. Because the genes didn't originate in the rice plant, it's a Genetically Modified Organism, and certain groups scream bloody murder about it "getting out" and wreaking unfathomable havoc.

 

[Bunnylady]

thank you for the information. it sounds like it wasn't tested on pregnant women to see if it caused damage. usually if tested the side effects like you listed are regrettable but people are usually warned that it might have complications with the child.

You realize that it is unconscionable to test any drug on a pregnant woman, right? Testing has to be done on lab animals - though some groups also have problems with that!

 

[ChickensRDinos]

I think there is a lot of misinformation on both sides of the debate about what GMO actually is. If you do not understand it I highly suggest you do your own research so you can formulate your own well-educated, thoughtful opinion on what is a complex scientific, sociological and political issue. Facebook is full of half-truths and repeated rumors and is not a news source. If people, groups or companies are bothering you unfollow--its voluntary and very simple. It is unfortunate that these misinformations are what are leading this debate rather than real facts and real conversations.

The biggest issues with GMOS are food labeling issues. I think that is fair that people know and understand what they are eating and where it comes from. This falls partially on the shoulders of the consumer to be knowledge and responsible but falls heavily on the commercial farm industry and the FDA to be honest.

Another issue is a lack of genetic diversity, which is potentially a serious issue with far reaching negative consequences should the right conditions arise.

GMO in and of itself is not a good or a bad thing. It is what, how and why is it used and by who for what reasons. There are a lot of shady business practices happening that have huge implications.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

Well spoken Jurassic fowl!

 

[MaryMouse]

No tell us how you really feel. Anyways feel free to help yourself to my share of any and all the GMO food. I will just keep eating the Heirloom (or not Heirloom, Heirlooms) that I grow organically out in my garden quietly, in a non preaching manner.

 

[nan4848]

but they are screaming about an organic
pest control being added to gmo products genetically and yet they recommend the use of the same organic pest control.

I believe you are talking about BT insecticide which is an organic insectide. It occurs naturally, I believe in soil. Used organically, sprayed, dusted on crops, it is breaks down or is washed off before consumed. In some GMO's it is inserted into the seed and there it stays and is consumed.


Discovery of Bt insecticide in human blood proves GMO toxin a threat to human health, study finds

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032407_Bt_insecticide_GMOs.html#ixzz2NkXSQmlT

 

[nan4848]

I encourage everyone who wants to know more about GMO's to watch Genetic Roulette

if you want to learn more about GMO's. Nothing but the facts. I guarantee you will change your mind. Educate yourself. The FDA and the corporations will not.

GMO's are not subject to independent safety tests by the FDA. 90 day studies that Monsanto, and their like, are allowed to do on their own product DO NOT tell me something that I put in my body is safe.

 

[chickened]

In the grand scope of things who can you really truly trust?? the government? the one who funds all these studies which is partially a rackett in and of itself. The USDA for instance, what do they really do? how many crops do they actually grow? they do spend money and that is about all one can truthfully say about them, they are too heavily influenced by their need to apprehend funds through grant programs that they will do projects that they admit are unsure if they will benefit what they purport to be helping. I have yet to hear anything that is conclusive about GMO. It is always argued in the context of cost.

if it were not for cheap produced crops only the wealthiest of us would get the benefit. GMO is not there to be the healthiest really but to make food affordable. It is like a crap sandwich... the more bread you have the less crap you will have to eat.

 

[Gallinaceous]

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/oregon_could_ban_genetically_e.html