B5 Week 1: IVF and Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

Question 1

What are the Ethical Principles and Values Behind use of IVF?

Answer 1

1) Maximise Benefit/ Minimise Harm

(including different types of harm)

2) Fair uses of resources (justice)
3) Autonomy & Rights

Question 2

Ethical Principles and Values Behind use of IVF:

Maximise Benefit/ Minimise Harm:

Answer 2

1) Who are the beneficiaries? Who might be at risk?

• Parents
• Baby
• Embryos
• Existing children

2) Different types of harm?

• Physical Harm (Mother, Baby, Destroyed Embryos)
• Psychological harm (Not having a baby)
• Can you beharmed by being brought into existence
• Harm as a negative message about those w/disability

Question 3

Ethical Principles and Values Behind use of IVF:

Justics/ Fair Use of Resources

Answer 3

Who should get tx?

• Post code lottery
• Criteria (BMI, Previous parenthood, Medical subfertile couples)

Question 4

Ethical Principles and Values Behind use of IVF:

Autonomy & Rights

Answer 4

• Right to Procreate
• Right over method/ details of procreation
• Right to choose features of future child
• Respect for life

Question 5

What is the difference between Prenatal testing & Pre implanation Genetic Diagnosis

Answer 5

PrenatalTesting:

Genetic testing of a Foetus in an established pregnancy

Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis:

Testing is done at embryonic stage. Created using IVF techniques-embryos then screened

Question 6

Think about some issues that need to be considered with testing

Answer 6

• Where does life begin (Religion,Values,Beliefs)?
• Do you think an embryo is different to a foetus?
• QoL of future child

Question 7

What is the act governing IVF & Pre Implantation Genetics?

Answer 7

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 & 2008 Amendments

Question 8

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 & 2008 Amendment: What does it say?

Answer 8

• Unlawful to store or use Gametes or Embryos without a license grated by HEFA (s3,4)
• Counselling requirement (s13(6))
• Welfare of the child (s13(5))
• Specification of who is legal mother & father (s27,28)

Question 9

When does the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 & 2008 Amendments permit Embryo testing?

What schedule is this?

Answer 9

• Establishing whether the embryo has an abnormality that will reduce the chance of a live birth
• Establishing whether embryo has an abnormality that may result in serious disability or illness
• Determining whether an embryo is tissue compatible w/ sibling who has a serious medical condition which could be tx w/ Umbilical Cord Blood, Bone Marrow or Other Tissues of Resulting Child (Whole organs are specifically excluded)

(Identify if there is anything that reduces chances of live birth OR if child will have Serious Health Condition/ Disability OR Create Saviour Sibling)

Question 10

Is Sex selection permited?

Answer 10

Permitted ONLY when there is a risk of sex-related abnormalities that may results in Serious Illness or Disability

Question 11

What does Human Fertilisation & Embryology Act 1990 & 2008 Amendments say about choosing the embryo post testing?

Answer 11

You CANNOT prefer those with the abnormality