Ethical Issues with Genetic Testing of Embryos

Ethical Issues with Genetic Testing of Embryos

Concern 1: Slippery Slope to ‘Designer Babies’

With the evolution of assisted reproductive technology (ART), parenthood is possible for those experiencing infertility issues, diagnosed or unknown. As ART has evolved, the ethics of genetic testing on embryos has too.

The Women and Infants Fertility Center noted that as PGT continues to evolve, intended parents may begin to select traits, such as intelligence, appearance, gender and more, that they want to pass on to their child through embryo selection.

In Oct. 2024, Heliospect Genomics, a U.S.-based startup, began to offer their services in which they claimed to be able to test embryos for IQ.

Although preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can detect gender, the majority of traits that intended parents may want to pass on doesn’t come with a guarantee.

There are studies rebuffing the notion that it’s a slippery slope to ‘designer babies’ from MedlinePlus citing studies that show intelligence has not been found to have any single genetic marker that plays a major part in determining intelligence to Penn State’s Center for Nanoscale Science explaining that the genes from the intended parents determine physical appearance.

The argument for the genetic screening of embryos is simple:

PGT does not alter or enhance genes; it identifies specific issues such as chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders depending on the type of PGT performed and most medical professionals utilize it to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy vs. creating a ‘designer baby.’

Concern 2: Potential for Discrimination

Another common ethical issue with the genetic testing of embryos is based around the chance of embryos that have genetic abnormalities being disposed of.

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) can prevent your child from dealing with illnesses such as:

There are some who believe that disposal of these embryos is destroying potential life.

PGT takes place at the embryonic stage, helping your fertility specialist select the highest quality embryos that have a chance at implanting while reducing the risk of a miscarriage or genetic disorders being passed on to your children.

Avoiding passing on the genetic disorders from your or your partner’s family can lead to a better quality of life for your child.

Concern 3: Informed Consent

An argument for the genetic screening of embryos is centered on informed consent.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine released guidance on informed consented in ART in 2023 that said among many other things, that it’s important for medical professionals to make sure that their patients understand the whole picture.

Whether that’s the risks, benefits, expected outcomes or alternatives to PGT, its needs to be presented accurately and unbiased.

Other key points that ASRM addressed with the ethical issues with genetic testing of embryos noted:

• Professionals should understand the distinction between ethical and legal requirements when it comes to informed consent.
• Professionals should recognize the difference between informed consent for regular clinical care and for research participation.
• It’s important to emphasize the value of informed consent, including any relevant facility policies that may impact a patient’s healthcare decisions.
• Education is essential for informed consent, but it should not replace the consent process itself.
• Extra effort may be required to ensure informed consent in certain situations, such as when patients are influenced by family or partners or are experiencing pregnancy or childbirth for the first time

Washington University’s Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center recommends genetic counseling to allow you to fully understand the risks, benefits and limitations of PGT.

Concern 4: Access and Inequality

Genetic testing of embryos raises the ethical concern of who has access to it and how fair, or unfair, that is.

ART can be costly and it’s a legitimate concern but these costs could fall or rise with the evolution of the technology involved.

If the costs were to go down, this could increase the access to PGT in the future.