The Pros And Cons Of Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Embryos created using in vitro fertilization, which is the fertilization of an egg in an artificial environment, can be tested for specific genetic diseases before they are implanted in a mother’s uterus. This test is called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and can be very useful as it is the least unethical of all the tests available prior to the birth of a baby. In this technique, multiple eggs are matured and divide until the 6-8 cell stage, at which point some of the cells are extracted and tested for genetic damage. Although this technique is extremely accurate, even a test that shows a healthy DNA does not ensure that the baby will be born healthy. Additionally, it is possible that all of the embryos that are tested carry the genetic disease.
Many believe that Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is ethical because it prevents pain and suffering of the potential child and

As expected, most of those who received a result indicating an increased risk have not derived the same psychological benefit. However, they have not responded to predictive testing in the negative manner that was feared when programs of predictive testing for Huntington’s disease were first developed. Moreover, as compared with those who received a result indicating no change in their degree of risk, both the increased-risk group and the decreased-risk group reported less depression and a greater sense of psychological well-being at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Knowing the result of the predictive test, even if it indicates an increased risk, reduces uncertainty and provides an opportunity for appropriate planning. Therefore, as our findings suggest, people who receive informative results, regardless of the content, may derive psychological benefits not experienced by those who remain uncertain (Wiggins et al.