New Test Detects Genetic Disease in Embryos

Kenneth Miller
3:30 PM
10/24/08
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/oct/24/embryo-research-development

The HFEA, or the Human Fertilization and Ebryology Authority, have developed a breakthrough embryo test that detects genetic disease in embryos as early as 2 days old. The method which has been named "genetic MoT" is used to help provide IVF treatement to parents at risk of birthing children with genetic defects. Although a useful device in the worldwide war against genetic disorders, the technique can only screen for 2% of 1500 genetic disorders. This revolutionary test will help not only with genetic disorders but in determing later life risks caused by genetic coding, such as heart disease probability, cancer, dementia, etc. The developer of the test, a professor Alan Handyside is enthusiastic for the future of this screening process. Despite all the good intentions affiliated with the test, there is fear that parents will screen their children for desired characteristics, which could lead to abortions of unwanted children with unwanted traits. However, the HFEA assures that the test will be licensed only for the testing of diseases for prevention methods.

I thought the really interesting part of the article that caught my eye was the fact that the fear of a "designer baby" future was mentioned and taken into consideration. With the ever accelerated progression of scientific developement (especially so in the field of genetics), the idea of having genetically modified children isn't a far shot at all. I mean we're already genetically modifying life-stock, crop sources, and so forth, so it seems only a small jump from these fields to the applicable use on human beings. However, the HFEAs response as to use the licensing only for disease prevention (however true that may yet prove to be), I think is a really responsible decision on the organizations part. It just strikes me as many scientific developers can get carried away with the amazing possibilities of these sciences without further thinking of the morality aspects or social impact. Aiming for the field of science myself, I can understand that overwhelming fascination with scientific expansion, however its important to keep ourselves in a close check with the betterment of society in mind. In addition the idea of parents have access to technology such as this freely and unchecked in a terrifying and oddly morbid thought; aborting children for their imperfections is a step far beyond the bounds of morality, but hopefully the HFEA will be careful in their applications of this method.