ACEVES

Subcutaneous microchips have been used in pets for years. But could they be used in children to help guarantee their safety? Electronics experts says the technology exists and could be used in the near future.

(The Associated Press/2003)

We don't think twice about having the vet put microchips in our dogs and cats if they can help reunite a missing pet with its family. But how willing would you be to have a microchip embedded in your children in this age of Amber alerts?

According to an NBC News report, the technology has been around for several decades, and putting microchips in children will happen "sooner rather than later."

According to WFLA TV (NBC's Tampa Bay, Florida, affiliate), electronics experts say microchipping children is safe and effective, and that Americans eventually will come to accept the process to insure their kids' safety. One day, the report says, it will become as common as barcodes.

That all sounds very "Big Brother," but the report features a Tampa Bay mother of a special needs child who is prone to trust strangers, and has given her a few moments of panic. The mom says that if it will keep her children safe, it's anything but extreme.

The report then features an electronics expert who says that microchip testing in humans is already happening: "The military is not only testing this out, but already utilizes its properties," says Stuart Lipoff. "It's not a matter of if it will happen, but when."

OK, so microchip technology exists, and could be used to locate missing children, not just missing pets. But would you be willing to have your children embedded with a chip if it will help guarantee their safety? Or is this just too Orwellian to consider?

-- Grant Butler

503-221-8566; @grantbutler