IVF And PIGD

Question 1

What is the legal framework underpinning IVF and PIGD?

Answer 1

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act

Question 2

Who regulates the licensing of embryo use?

Answer 2

Human Fertilisation and Embryo Authority (HFE)

Question 3

What testing of Embryos is permitted under the HFE Act?

Answer 3

Abnormality affecting chance of live birth
Abnormality causing serious disability/illness
Gender-related abnormalities
Tissue-matching - ‘saviour sibling’

Question 4

What 3 things must be done before IVF under HFE Act?

Answer 4

Give appropriate counselling
Specification of legal parents
Consider the welfare of any child born as a result of treatment and any existing child

Question 5

When can preferential gamete selection not happen?

Answer 5

Gametes with significant risk of developing disability
Sex selection (unless for gender-related abnormality)

Question 6

What Ethical Principles underpin IVF and PIGD? (3)

Answer 6

Duty of Care
Respect for Parental Autonomy
Societal Values

Question 7

How do societal values relate to IVF and PIGD?

Answer 7

Fair allocation of resources (principle of Justice)
Limits on individual autonomy (harm to others- abnormal gene selection, discrimination against disabled people, respect for life)

Question 8

How does consideration of Respect for Parental Autonomy relate to IVF and PIGD?

Answer 8

Right to procreate?
Right to choose future child?
Right to make choices to benefit their other children?

Question 9

How does the Duty of Care relate to IVF and PIGD?

Answer 9

Balance benefits and burdens of treatment
Minimise harm (physical and psychological)- consider existing child, parents, and future child

Question 10

What values are potentially held by parents when considering IVF and PIGD?

Answer 10

Not wanting to play God
Not wanting child to suffer unnecessarily
Loving a child unconditionally - regardless of potential disability