Two reports caught this Llama’s eye today as I scanned the Sunday paper online (Why do I still call it a paper? Perhaps from now on it should be known as a online news site)
Some clever doctors have worked out a way to help reduce the pain of giving birth for the mother, and some other doctors have extended the life of people with HIV by about another 15 years. Not that these two stories are related, but I’m going to relate them.
We really are a clever lot. Birth pain has long been seen as something that was natural and good. I’ve always thought that was bullocks. Having been there for the birth of my two and watching the agony their mother went through, I was wanting to take the drugs. And she did take them, but only towards the very end of her labour. I think its a hang over from the religious days of snakes being on their bellies and women suffering child birth as a payment for original sin. [SEE HERE]
To the increase in the life expectancy of HIV/AIDS sufferers. Here we are again, being clever. We’re not able to cure the disease, but we can make it more bearable and allow people to get on with their lifes.
(And now for the connection) Imagine what it would be like if the world was really run by the Church. Women would be made to suffer through child birth as is the curse of women for tempting man to eat the fruit. People with AIDS would die a horrible death and not have all the research put in to it as it would be seen as a punishment from god. I despair about the influence of religion, but delight in these type of break throughs that surely must be considered as against the will of the all powerful guy that the christians believe in.
Was that too much of a stretch?
Oh, by the way, the article on the increase of life expectancy was occupied by an ad asking how long you could afford to live! Well, it amused me.
The Age Ad - Click to see full image