Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: The Ethics of Choosing your Offspring’s Genotype

Image credit: MotherToBe Fertility Clinic https://mothertobe.in/what-is-preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis-pgd/ 

In vitro fertilization is a reproductive process that artificially conjoins a man´s sperm with a woman's egg cell. There are multiple eggs fertilized in order to have a greater chance of successful fertilization. A new technique has been developed which is called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. First, the fertilized eggs are left in an incubator for approximately 5-6 days, and after that, the scientist takes a few cells out of the embryo and analyses the base sequence of its DNA. An artificial intelligence code then analyses the gene sequence and mutations and predicts the probability of diseases and characteristics of each of the embryos. The parents then, can choose, which of the embryos they prefer to continue the growth process. 

The question arises, is choosing how your kid looks completely ethical? There are major ethical concerns about this genetic method. The first major concern is about the principle of nature. It can be believed that being able to choose how your child will look takes away the integrity of childbirth and the uncertainty of it. But majorly, it concerns that this tactic may be used to reassure and recreate deeply rooted societal beauty standards that potentiate a lack of diversity. 

However, on the other hand, we have the recognition of the fact that this technological advancement is able to predict children´s possible health conditions. Although public focus has been on the prediction of eye and hair colour, gender, or height, the fundamental principle of this technique is to predict health conditions. These range from physical genetic mutations to the possibility of Alzheimer's disease. Being able to predict such an important health aspect can help the offspring be as healthy as possible, reducing the chances of chronic illness, medical expenses for the family, and mental strain on the children. Kian Sadeghi, the founder of Nucleus Geonomics, a company that actively helps parents with preimplantation genetic diagnosis, claims that “The parents have a right to know”. He says that knowing this type of important information can be very beneficial for all families. 

Therefore, what is more important, the ethical concerns or the possibility of preventing a child from having a life-altering genetic disorder? It is important to acknowledge both sides of the situation; however, the issue is not entirely black or white. Being able to know and choose your children's physical appearance can raise ethical concerns from some people. However, the brilliance of being able to predict and possibly inhibit future medical illnesses and diseases is undeniable. In the end, it comes down to which aspect carries more weight. The answer can differ from couple to couple, which is why this process remains completely optional

In this way, DNA research continues to evolve. From scientists once knowing very little about DNA’s role within the cells’ nucleus to now using it to predict aspects of life before birth, we continue to witness the rapid development of genetic technology and AI in the medical field. Alongside these advances, however, new moral dilemmas arise, forcing us to reconsider where the boundaries and limits of molecular biology should lie.