Pre-implantation genetic testing Flashcards
What ethical principles underpin IVF and pre-embryonic genetic testing?
Beneficence/non-maleficence:
- Maximising benefit, minimising harm
Autonomy:
- Parental autonomy: right to procreate, right to make choices to benefit living children
Justice:
- Fair use of resources: who gets testing?
- Discrimination- previous parenthood, same sex relationships, BMI etc
What is pre-natal testing?
What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?
Pre-natal testing: genetic testing of a foetus in an established pregnancy, usually done via CVS or amniocentesis in weeks 15-20 of the pregnancy.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: alternative to pre-natal testing. Done at the embryonic stage- embryos creating using IVF then screened.
What are the 3 circumstances in which pre-implantation genetic testing is permitted?
Establishing whether the embryo has an abnormality that will reduce the chance of a live birth.
Establishing whether the embryo has an abnormality that may result in serious disease or illness.
In order to determine tissue compatibility (i.e for saviour sibling)
What does the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act state about IVF/PIGD?
- It is unlawful to store or use gametes or embryos without a license granted by HFEA
- Counselling is required, particularly with donated gametes.
- Antone offering treatment must consider the welfare of any living child who may be affected as well as the potential child.
- It must be clearly specified who are legally recognised as the mother and father of the child.
- Preferential use of an embryo with a known abnormality that may carry significant risk of disease or illness is not permitted.
- Embryos of a particular sex that carry a particular risk must not be preferred above those of that sex in general who do not carry the same risk.
When is sex selection allowed?
If there is significant risk of a sex-linked disease or illness.
