World's Largest Baby Invited to Be Used in Research

Would You Offer Up Your Baby to Research?

October 30, 2009

Weird science? The world's heaviest baby has been invited by the Japanese Medical Association to have his development studied as he grows. The study would be sponsored by a Japanese television network and new concerns are brewing that the Indonesian newborn will be exploited, even if it's for science. Luckily it's not a decision that most parents have to face, but would you allow your baby to be poked and prodded by doctors?

Source: Getty

11 Comments

3 years 28 weeks

I would not want my kids involved in any research. UNLESS......the information was going to help them in some way. But generally, NO.

EvieJ 3 years 28 weeks

My daughter was put into the hospital when she was 48 hours old, and while she was there a student doctor came by. He was doing his pediatrics, and needed a newborn baby to do a practice exam on. Of course I let him. It could help another baby in future. As others have set - poking/prodding, probably not, though.

karen f 3 years 28 weeks

A developmental study consists of observations, definitely not experimental testing. absolutely no pokes :P

3 years 28 weeks

I'm not one to try things that are "untested" or "under tested" in my opinion anyways, but if it were life or death such as an experimental treatment for something to which there were not other "cures" left, I'd definitely give it a go. When there is no other option I will do it, but I don't want to offer my kids up and find out years from now that there's a very undesirable side effect.

pinkprincess1101 3 years 28 weeks

We thought about it before my son was diagnosed.

CaterpillarGirl 3 years 28 weeks

oh it wont hurt them emotionally or physically in the long run to get some blood drawn or get an exam or two. We need research like this , otherwise we are doing it on animals and we all know that doesnt make sense! I say if your baby is needed, go for it, its a good thing.

schnappycat 3 years 28 weeks

I should add that my son was determined at birth to be at higher risk for Type 1, so I didn't enroll him for no reason.

Read2me 3 years 28 weeks

My daughter has also been involved in a research study since birth but it is about how infants learn language so it is definitely not invasive. I don't think I could participate in a study that involved her being poked and prodded.

schnappycat 3 years 28 weeks

I already do. My son has been enrolled in a medical research study since birth (to age 15). It's a large, international study about Type 1 Diabetes with thousands of participants. We go to an appointment quarterly where they draw blood among other things, I send in monthly stool samples, I keep twice-yearly diet records, I record many other things, including illnesses, medications, etc., fill out occasional questionnaires, and other things. It's a bit of pain, especially given how thorough they expect me to be, but I know I am doing my part to help further the study of a potentially curable disease. Plus, if my son were to develop it, I will know immediately and be able to get help for him more quickly.

runningesq 3 years 28 weeks

You make it sound like a sacrifical offering, Lil. It does depend on the situation. Would I allow my baby to be the subject of new medicines? no. would I allow my baby to be studied? yes

MissSushi 3 years 28 weeks

It really depends on the situation. Something like this, no way. But those studies they do on things like sounds and taste and reactions aren't horrible usually, and the parent is right there and there are no doctors poking and prodding. It's just a set of stimulation and recording the reaction. I still don't know that I'd even agree to those, but it really depends on the situation.

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