Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

“Designer Babies”
Andi Garcia, Christine Fachiol,
Jayla Burton, and Kira Cadiz-1B
What is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis?
PGD vs. Prenatal testing
● Tests for genetic abnormalities and
chromosomal conditions in
different embryos and eliminates
the possibility of the baby having it.
● Tests performed on a pregnant
woman to determine the health of
the baby and the mother.
○ They can identify genetic and
chromosomal conditions but
they cannot eliminate
condition how to care for a
child with this condition.
 History of PGD
1953-successful live 1978- First baby 1989-London’s first
birth using frozen conceived and born unaffected PGD baby
sperm. using in vitro fertilization is born.
(IVF).

1980s-PGD starts getting used

1968-First successful embryo in humans as a piece of
biopsy was performed by prenatal testing.
2006- 15,000+ successful
Edward and Gardner in rabbits.
cycles of PGD had been
performed.
How Genetics Work
How is it done?
PGD Candidates:
● Carriers of sex-linked genetic disorders
● Carriers of single gene disorders
● Those with chromosomal disorders
● Women age 35 and over
● Women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss
● Women with more than one failed fertility treatment
Legalities
Outlawed in:
● Chile
● Switzerland
● Austria
● Ivory Coast
● the Philippines
● Algeria
● China
● Ireland.
Pros
● Can detect genetic diseases or chromosomal conditions and decrease the
risk of babies getting them.
● Can reduce hereditary diseases
● Allows couples to pursue children biologically when they could not have
otherwise
● Allows parents to make a final decision on pregnancy
● Reduce pregnancy risks
Cons
● Parents want stem cell compensation.

● Embryos found with abnormalities are destroyed

● It is not 100% accurate because some symptoms for conditions develop

later

● The price is very expensive

● Result in accidental termination

Cost
IVF $12,000

IVF medication cost $3,500+

Embryo biopsy Cost $1,500

Embryo freezing cost $800

PGS test scores $3,500

FET cycle cost $3,000-$5,000

Whole process $20,000+

Public Opinion
● 72.9% agree with PGD to prevent illness fatal in early life
● 66.7% agree to prevent lifelong disabilities
● 48.0% agree to prevent diseases manifesting later in life
● 21.1% support PGD for sex selection
● 14.6% support PGD for physical traits

-Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Moral Code
Sex selection is something that PGD is also used for. This is morally
concerning because a lot of people believe that the sex of a child should not
matter to the parents.

This could lead to sex preference in a family or

community because one is being favored and
chosen over another.
Religion
“ permissible if the methods used, with the consent of the parents who
have been adequately instructed, safeguard the life and integrity of the
embryo and its mother and does not subject them to disproportionate
risks. But this diagnosis is gravely opposed to the moral law when it is
done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion depending upon
the result…”
- Dignity of Procreation (Donum Vitae) issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).
Societal Impact of PGD
Develops discrimination towards people with disabilities because
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis eliminates embryos who could later have
disabilities.
Future Implications
● If PGD becomes accessible to more people they could use it to completely
eliminate genetic abnormalities and conditions
● Rumors about PGD could become a reality
○ Altering someone’s physical appearance- making them taller or have a certain eye color
○ Making someone more talented, intelligent, or athletic
○ Make kids become resistant or immune to certain things like baldness
Discussion Questions
● What kind of pressures may this put on a future PGD child?
● What if PGD became a normal thing for parents to go through,
what may be some problems with this?
○ How will children or parents who refuse to go through this be
treated?
● Do you think PGD has the potential to become illegal in some
states like abortion? Why?
● How do you think doctors, who have a private practice, may deal
with patients they think are doing this for the wrong reason?
○ Do you think doctors picking and choosing their candidates is wrong?
Citations
● Venosa, A. (2016, March 25). Designer Babies: The Truth Behind Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.medicaldaily.com/designer-babies-preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis-fact-fiction-379387
● Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: Benefits & Concerns. (2017, July 15). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/preimplantation-
genetic-diagnosis
● Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://www.advancedfertility.com/pgd-costs.htm
● University, S. (2016, April 06). Changes in human reproduction raise legal, ethical issues, Stanford's Hank Greely says. Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
https://news.stanford.edu/2016/04/06/reproduction-legal-greely-040616/
● Raja, D. (2018, January 03). How Are Designer Babies Made And What Are Its Pros And Cons? Retrieved January 23, 2018, from
http://www.momjunction.com/articles/designer-babies_00395977/#gref
● PGD Benefits & Risks | Denver | Colorado Fertility Specialists. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://arm.coloradowomenshealth.com/services/ivf/pgd/risks
● Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. (2016, June 01). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/273415-overview
● Todohert, A. (2014, January 06). Is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) acceptable for Catholics? Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://sites.sju.edu/icb/is-pre-
implantation-genetic-diagnosis-pgd-acceptable-for-catholics/
● FDA Approval Status for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://www.fertilityproregistry.com/article/lab-
techniques/preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis-pgd/fda-approval-status-for-preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis
● Winkelman, W. D., Missmer, S. A., Myers, D., & Ginsburg, E. S. (2015). Public perspectives on the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Journal of
assisted reproduction and genetics, 32(5), 665-675.
● Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2018, from https://ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/women/services/fertility/fertility-services/fertility-
treatment-options/pre-implantation.cfm
● Bettinger, B. (April, 2009). The Potential Impact of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis on Discrimination of the Disabled: Analysis of Mitigating Factors. Retrieved
January 23, 2018, from https://www.slideshare.net/blaine_5/the-potential-impact-of-preimplantation-genetic-diagnosis-on-discrimination-of-the-disabled-
analysis-of-mitigating-factors