Pre-Implantation Genetics

Question 1

Who are the beneficiaries of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?

Answer 1

The parents
The baby / embryo
Existing children

Question 2

What are the ethical principles surrounding pre implantation genetic diagnosis?

Answer 2

Able to maximise benefit/minimise harm
Justice - fair use of resources
Autonomy and rights
Respect for life

Question 3

What are different types of harm that could arise from pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?

Answer 3

Physical harm - to mother, baby, embryos being destroyed
Psychological harm - from not having a baby
Potential harm from being brought into existence with condition
Harm is a negative message for those with disabilities

Question 4

What is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis?

Answer 4

Genetic testing done at the embryonic stage

Embryos are created using IVF and then genetically screened

Question 5

What’s prenatal testing?

Answer 5

Genetic testing of a foetus in an established pregnancy

Question 6

Under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act when is embryo testing permitted?

Answer 6

To establish whether the embryo has an abnormality that will reduce the chance of a live birth

To establish whether the embryo has an abnormality that may result in serious disability of illness

To establish whether an embryo is tissue compatible with a sibling with a serious medical condition (saviour sibling)

Question 7

When are saviour siblings permitted?

Answer 7

Treated with umbilical cord blood
Bone marrow
Tissues other than whole organs

Question 8

When is sex selection permitted?

Answer 8

Only when there is a risk of sex-related abnormalities that may result in serious disability/illness