British fertility clinics raise scientific and ethical objections over patients sending embryos’ genetic data abroad for analysis
Couples undergoing IVF in the UK are exploiting an apparent legal loophole to rank their embryos based on genetic predictions of IQ, height and health, the Guardian has learned.
The controversial screening technique, which scores embryos based on their DNA, is not permitted at UK fertility clinics and critics have raised scientific and ethical objections, saying the method is unproven. But under data protection laws, patients can – and in some cases have – demanded their embryos’ raw genetic data and sent it abroad for analysis in an effort to have smarter, healthier children.
Dr Cristina Hickman, a senior embryologist and founder of Avenues fertility clinic in London, said rapid advances in embryo screening techniques and the recent launch of several US companies offering so-called polygenic screening had left clinics facing “legal and ethical confusion”.
Sometimes I do think it’s a shame. We as a species could end genetic disease within 1 generation. We could have a smart, stronger, kinder, and ultimately healthier humanity.
But we aren’t ready for it. Any attempt would be forced. Any attempt would get tainted immediately by racism, religion, nationalism, etc.
Sometimes it makes me sad to think of the potential of technology and how we’ll likely never be able to use it ethically or responsibly
There is a strong possibility we would also get it wrong. Diversity is a strength. Who knows what tomorrow brings.
This is asinine. Diversity is a strength, that doesn’t mean that horrific genetic diseases that cause enormous pain and suffering are.
Yes but pain and suffering can inspire people to do great things
Maybe. But are these people thankful for that pain and suffering? Van Gogh was a great painter, but he killed himself for that suffering. Frida Kahlo used painting as a coping strategy for her illnesses, and saw death as a release, waiting in her journal: “I hope the exit is joyful and i hope never to return.”
I think, given the choice, we should choose not to create such suffering.
I’m sorry I’m I have a simple view of things, it’s like the matrix, the perfect world was rejected outright almost immediately. Fuck yeah I would love to live in a world without pain I just don’t think it’s feasible for the human condition or healthy for innovation or art or so many other things