Field trips are supposed to be fun, but that is not always the case.
Students often look forward to field trips because they expect to see things they have never seen before, or revisit things or places they do not see often enough.
A Feb. 27 field trip to Loma Linda University's Museum of Embryology was an unexpected, solemn, learning experience for some of the class.
Glenda Lanz, Child Development Instructor, informed the class that they would see real aborted babies, as well as babies from miscarriages. In some cases, there would be babies with abnormalities. Yet, the displays surpassed the expectations.
First, it became very obvious that the babies were real, but the method of preservation used - jars filled with fluid - made it seem as though the babies were just sleeping and would wake at any moment.
The exhibition of twin babies showed how two babies were carried in the womb.
The museum displayed the products of abortions, and also how developed a fetus is at 8 weeks. The babies with abnormalities were more sad than nasty looking, thus they were difficult to view. Information was given that said abnormalities could not be prevented because they are often hereditary. In some cases, they just happen. Also, there are internal and external abnormalities. About 250,000 infants are affected per year in the U.S. and 1 in 50 worldwide. Twenty percent of those are due to hereditary disorders.
The displays have the tendency to make the viewer think twice about having a child, as well as what can be done to prevent childbirth abnormalities.
Genetic testing is now available for parents to try to ascertain what types of abnormality genes they may carry. In addition, it is important to get prenatal care because now, due to technology, the doctors can generally tell before birth if something is going wrong.
Based on the vivid displays, pregnancy is not something that should be taken lightly.
The museum also has a real skeleton, whose name is supposedly Jack Earle. In comparison to what is considered the average height scale, Earle is classified as a giant. His height was 7'7". He had a pituitary gigantism, which was due to a pituitary tumor. These tumors cause abnormal production of growth hormones before the epiphysis [growth centers] of the bones have closed.
This museum is an excellent place for those who are interested in working with children, or becoming a pediatrics doctor. For the curious, it is an exceptional place to go for a first-hand learning experience.
There is no charge to visit the museum, which is open Monday through Thursdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Fridays, it is open 8 a.m. to 2-3 p.m. For appointments, call [909] 558-7602.
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