prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases

Question 1

reproductive options

Answer 1

conceive naturally (with/without prenatal testing); egg/sperm donors (no longer anonymous; strict regulations); adoption (registration and checks, assessment and approval, search for child); pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (IVF but genetically test embryo before implantation)

Question 2

pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: method

Answer 2

stimulation of ovaries; eggs collected; insemination; fertilisation; embryo biopsy; embryo testing (FISH, PCR and DNA sequencing); embryo transfer; pregnancy test

Question 3

pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: criteria

Answer 3

female<40; BMI between 19 and 30; non-smokers; no living unaffected children; known genetic risk;

Question 4

pre-implantation genetic diagnosis: limitations and ethical issues

Answer 4

emotional and physical implications; lengthy; low success rates; only for certain conditions; involves disregarding unused embryos; disability rights; slippery slope to designer babies; eugenics (controlled breeding); expensive

Question 5

physiosocial aspects

Answer 5

previous experience, family situation, religion, personal beliefs, balancing miscarriage with genetic risk, dealing with indecision