Extending preimplantation genetic diagnosis: medical and non-medical uses

J Med Ethics. 2003 Aug;29(4):213-6. doi: 10.1136/jme.29.4.213.

Abstract

New uses of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to screen embryos prior to transfer raise ethical, legal, and policy issues that deserve close attention. Extensions for medical purposes, such as to identify susceptibility genes, late onset disease, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, are usually ethically acceptable. Whether embryo screening for gender, perfect pitch, or other non-medical characteristics are also acceptable depends upon the parental needs served and the harm posed to embryos, children, and society. Speculations about potential future uses of PGD should not prevent otherwise acceptable current uses of PGD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Attitude to Health
  • Genetic Testing / ethics*
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Health Policy
  • Hearing / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Testing / ethics
  • Histocompatibility Testing / methods
  • Humans
  • Parents / psychology
  • Preimplantation Diagnosis / ethics*
  • Preimplantation Diagnosis / methods
  • Sex Preselection / ethics
  • Sex Preselection / methods
  • United Kingdom