Imagine a world where your child's next life-saving decision is made by an algorithm. This week, the National Health Service (NHS) announced plans to introduce PhenMap, an artificial intelligence tool designed to predict how bowel cancer patients will respond to new drugs.

But as we rush headlong into this brave new era of healthcare, it's hard not to wonder what kind of world we're leaving for our children. The critics are right to ask if this leap forward in technology is a step too far when it comes to personalizing care and preserving the bond between patients and their doctors.

The NHS has long been a pillar of comfort and support, yet PhenMap's introduction isn't an isolated case of tech taking over our lives. It echoes other moves like facial recognition in public spaces and surveillance on social media — all under the banner of progress, but at what cost to privacy and personal choice?

But here’s the buried detail: the NHS has downplayed concerns about PhenMap potentially leading doctors to opt for more conservative treatment options based solely on AI predictions. What if your child's doctor is told by a computer that an experimental drug won't work, when in reality it might be their only chance?

As a mother and neighbor, I worry not just for my family but for all the children who will grow up in this world where human judgment and compassion are second to cold data. We already live with so much uncertainty; should we add another layer of doubt by trusting our health to machines?

The fear gnaws at me every time I think about what could happen if an algorithm makes a mistake, or worse yet, if it's used as an excuse to deny care.

So please, read this and share with every parent you know. We need to stand together against policies that put our loved ones' lives in the hands of something less than human.