Picking embryos: Another step towards designer babies?

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 3, 2023

Numerous scientific studies have identified genetic variations associated with specific traits or conditions in the human genome. Some scientists argue that this information can be used to assess embryos for these characteristics during in vitro fertilization (IVF). The increasing availability and low cost of these fertility testing services have some ethicists worried that it may introduce a socially acceptable form of eugenics into the human reproductive process globally.

Picking embryos context

Genetic testing has evolved from simply testing for a single gene that causes a specific disease, such as cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease. The 2010s saw a dramatic rise in the volume of research linking multiple genetic variations with particular traits and diseases. These discoveries allow scientists to analyze the many slight genetic differences in a person’s genome to determine a polygenic risk score, which is the probability that an individual will have a specific trait, condition, or disease. These scores, often provided by companies like 23andMe, have been used to assess the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and breast cancer in adults. 

However, genetic testing companies also offer these scores to individuals undergoing IVF to help them choose which embryo to implant. Companies like Orchid, which aims to help people have healthy babies, provide genetic counseling that includes this type of analysis. Another company, called Genomic Prediction, offers preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic disorders (PGT-P), which includes risk probabilities for conditions such as schizophrenia, cancer, and heart disease.

Ethical debates on whether fetuses should be discarded based on predicted IQ scores clash with the argument that parents should choose the best for their children. Several scientists warn against taking the risk scores for their value as the process behind polygenic scores is complex, and the results are not always accurate. Some traits like high intelligence are related to personality disorders as well. And it is to be noted that these scores are based on analyses of Eurocentric data, so they may likely be widely off the mark for children of other ancestries. 

Disruptive impact 

One concern of using risk scores to select the “ideal” embryo is the potential for creating a society where people with certain genetic traits or characteristics are seen as more desirable or “better.” This trend could lead to further stigmatization and discrimination against individuals who do not possess these “desired” traits. There is also the potential for using these technologies to exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. For example, suppose only those who can afford the costs of IVF and genetic testing can access these technologies. In that case, it could lead to a situation where only select individuals or groups can have children with handpicked traits.

There is also the possibility that the use of these technologies could lead to a decrease in genetic diversity, as people may be more likely to choose embryos with similar characteristics. Finally, it is essential to note that these screening tests and risk scores are imperfect and can sometimes produce incorrect or misleading results. This inadequate method could lead individuals to decide which embryos to implant based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

However, for countries struggling with growing their populations, allowing their respective citizens to choose the healthiest embryos can lead to more babies being born. Several developed nations are already experiencing an aging population with insufficient younger generations to work and support the elderly. Subsidizing IVF procedures and ensuring healthy babies may help these economies survive and prosper.

Implications of picking embryos

Wider implications of picking embryos may include:

• Fertility technologies progressing beyond IVF to natural pregnancies, with some individuals going as far as to terminate pregnancies based on genetic predictions.
• Increasing calls to action to policymakers to regulate embryo screening, including ensuring that this option is subsidized and accessible to everyone.
• Protests against issues like discrimination against babies that did not undergo genetic screening.
• More biotech firms specializing in embryo services for couples who want to conceive through IVF.
• Increasing lawsuits against clinics for babies that develop genetic defects and disabilities despite risk scoring and screening.

Questions to consider

• What are your views on the genetic screening of embryos for specific traits?
• What are the other consequences of allowing potential parents to choose their ideal embryos?