Preimplantation Genetic Analysis

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The uncontrolled use of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is resulting in a deviation from its initial purpose, which fosters another ethical dilemma of pandering patients’ fantasies of the ‘perfect’ child. Due to the advances in this reproductive technology, there is fear of the possibility that parents will soon be able to customize their own idea of a designer baby. Almost a decade and a half ago, the term ‘designer baby’ was added to the dictionary where it is defined as a child whose genetic material has been manipulated in order to eliminate an anomaly or to ensure that a desired gene is present. We may be living in a generation where the second half of that definition can be accentuated and brought to life. The future of PGD can provide …show more content…

A lot of concerns regarding the life of an embryo were centered around the invasive technology that may be harmful to the embryo, causing a change in the procedure’s outcome. However, there is a less invasive approach called the polar body genetic analysis in which the biopsy is done at an earlier stage. Its “ aim is to select the oocytes after in vitro maturation procedure, which are appropriate for in vitro fertilization, and to improve the outcome of the oocyte in vitro maturation in the clinical practice” (Milachich). The polar body genetic analysis does have drawbacks that could result in a chance of aneuploidy but overall, its advantages include the lack of mosaicism and a decreased risk of affecting the embryo- worries that were expressed by those who did not agree with PGD for reasons of safety. If officials regulate the use of PGD, the concerns can be addressed and taken into consideration while the numerous benefits persist. In “Attitudes to PGD” Kalfoglou found that many Americans were in favor of using PGD to avoid severe genetic diseases but “are much less supportive of the hypothetical use of PGD to select for desirable traits such as strength and intelligence, and are divided over whether or not it is appropriate to use PGD for non-medical sex selection” (Kalfoglou 487). Using PGD for nonmedical purposes such as sex selection and the creation of designer babies should be banned completely. PGD is straying from its initial purpose but it can be prevented before it is too late. According to Deeney, “the ability to choose the sex of future offspring is contrary to natural law” (Deeney 256). The future of PGD can result in gender imbalances if the United States continues to permit the use of it,

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