Use of embryos

Question 1

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

Answer 1

Fertilisation of ovum (egg) by sperm in the laboratory. Used by couples with fertility issues and same sex couples. The fertilised ovum is then transferred to the uterus.

Question 2

PGD (Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis)

Answer 2

IVF embryos can be screened for genetic diagnosis. Embryos with genetic conditions are destroyed and healthy ones are picked to be transferred to the uterus. However this can devalue people with these conditions such as down syndrome.

Question 3

Genetic Modification

Answer 3

To treat genetic inherited diseases such mitochondrial disease through three-parent babies. Many people feel that to tamper with the building blocks of life in this way is unnatural and ‘playing God’

Question 4

Genetic Modification

Answer 4

To treat genetic inherited diseases such mitochondrial disease through three-parent babies. Many people feel that to tamper with the building blocks of life in this way is unnatural and ‘playing God’

Question 5

Research uses

Answer 5

Research with specific aims to develop new treatments. Can also be to research how embryos develop.

Question 6

Therapeutic use of embryos

Answer 6

Embryonic stem cells are totipotent and can develop into any stem cells. It is thought they can be used to treat diseases such as parkinsons. The embryo is destroyed in the process which groups like Roman Catholics view as murder