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After a 30-minute installation procedure, the newly developed microchip can remotely control the release of abortion inducing hormones into the woman's body for up to 16 years.
The development of the magic microchip is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is being marketed as "social justice" for Third World Countries, with the understanding that women in First World countries will line up to get the microchip for their own computer regulated birth control.
They are saying the "chip" will be available by 2015.
While some are hailing it as secular progressive's finest moment, others are expressing great concern.
And biblical Christians who are aware of the implication of "marks" or chips in or on the body to be used for exchange or commerce---the Mark of the Beast--- are particularly interested in this so-called "progress."
The Washington Post is reporting that MIT researchers who are developing the device originally saw it as a way to deliver hormones into the body for those suffering from osteoporosis.
After Dr. Robert Langer, the lead researcher at MIT, had a meeting with Bill Gates, the focus changed to birth control.
Now, the Gates Foundation is spearheading an international, multibillion dollar push for expanding birth control in the developing world.
Ironically, this announcement came just weeks after Melinda Gates announced in June, "The foundation has decided not to fund abortion."
While the Washington Post hails the "chip" as "the future of medicine," others are expressing concern.
A number of studies have indicated that levonorgestrel, the hormone used both by this chip and the morning after or the "abortion pill," has a strong anti-implantation effect, meaning it acts in part by preventing a newly conceived embryo from implanting in the uterus.
At least one study found the hormone only has an "effectiveness rate" of 49%.
However, there are 2 other areas of deep concern for people of faith.
While many are expressing concern regarding the morality of this endeavor, Fr. Shenan Boquet, president of Human Life International is perhaps the most vocal.
He says, "Administration of dangerous hormonal contraceptive drugs, whether through new technologies or traditional oral methods, should not be considered a boon for women's health, as the serious risks of these drugs are becoming better known every day."
He says, "Our concerns are only heightened when we see reporters promoting this effort...without mention of the harm done to women by other versions of these drugs, as if this only promises good health and empowerment for women."
"This isn't reporting," he says, "it's propaganda, and it is especially dangerous given the risks involved."
He also raises the concern that a woman's health managed by a computer controlled chip potentially leaves the patient's health in the hands of someone across the room who has the skill to hack into her system or re-program her implant.
Dr. Robert Farra of MIT says it won't happen. Although they have not developed it yet, they will have a built-in security system by the time this product is ready for market in 2015.
Incidentally, Wired Magazine has been publishing articles recently regarding how easy it is for experienced hackers to access hospital's drug infusion pumps, allowing them to alter the amount of morphine administered to patients. They have also accessed defibrillators, creating unnecessary shocks or preventing life-saving shocks to restart a patient's heart.
Hackers have also accessed refrigeration units that house blood, changing the temperature and potentially allowing the blood to spoil, viewed X-rays and had the ability to change patients' online medical records.
The Washington Post admits there are a number of issues "that need to be worked out."
They suggest parents "could theoretically give it to their sexually active teenagers in high school so they won't have to worry about them dealing with family planning issues until they are well past their grad school years."
And the Post raises the possibility of "ovarian hacking" creating "revenge pregnancy" against someone they don't like.
On many different levels, this will be a moral disaster.
The other major concern is government.
Christian attorney John Whitehead, founder of the Rutherford Institute, is also expressing concern about government over reach.
I know John, I've interviewed him on television many times, and can assure you he is not an alarmist, but his concern is significant.
Whitehead says, "Whatever that chip transmits will go into a government file." He says, "The chip may actually know when you're having sex. So there will be no privacy. None."
He says, "Here's what I've learned about government---whatever technology we have, theirs is much greater" reminding us of the US Supreme Court decision last year, Maryland v. King, which opened the floodgate for proliferated DNA collection.
Our government is collecting massive amounts of personal DNA data.
Whitehead says, "I'm afraid the chip could be activated in some harmful way," referring to the future possibility of a eugenics program leading to some else deciding who can and cannot have children.
He says that the very personal freedoms the government has vowed to protect are being stolen by its use of new technologies. And he points out that Congress has given us no guidelines about this use of the invasive forms of technology because its funded by the same groups that are providing the technology.
And finally, there is a concern among biblical people of faith because of the possibilities for government abuse of these technologies in regard to the "Mark of the Beast." These technologies, as they are integrated into society and become the norm, certainly lay the groundwork for government control of individual purchasing power on a mark or chip.
So how should Christians respond to all this?
According to Isaiah 40:3, those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up like eagles. The difficulties in this world are only gusts of hope that lifts the Christian.
The book of Lamentations gives us the Word for the day: "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope...His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Be Informed. Be Blessed. Look up.