Understanding The Ethics and Rise of Designer “Babies”

 

    The Harvard Petrie-Flom Center recently discussed a new and highly controversial idea in genetics which is polygenic embryo screening. This topic revolves around new technology that allows scientists to analyze embryos created through IVF and estimate their chances of developing certain diseases or even traits like height or intelligence.

  

  The topic of Polygenic embryo screening works by examining many genes at once to predict risks for complex conditions such as diabetes, schizophrenia, or heart disease. The difference between these screenings and traditional genetic testing, is that this method looks at how multiple genes interact. While there are many health benefits to these screenings there are biomedical ethics concerns.

    The term “designer babies” has been coined as this idea is becoming more widely known. The technology could easily be misused to select embryos based on preferred traits like intelligence or athletic ability. Additionally, the technology is very expensive and not covered by insurances, which would give wealthier individuals these resources creating inequity and more financial gaps in the population.

    This article emphasizes the correlation between technology and genetics, which is the first time the two have been this intercrossed since the discovery of genetics. While polygenic embryo screening has the potential to reduce disease, it also raises complex ethical, social, and legal questions.

Tags: #Genetics #DesignerBabies #Bioethics #Technology

Sources: 

https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2024/03/11/designer-babies-the-ethical-and-regulatory-implications-of-polygenic-embryo-screening/

https://www.thehastingscenter.org/polygenic-embryo-screening-ethical-and-legal-considerations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com