UK couples are exploiting a loophole in the law to use genetic screening tests to choose their most "desirable" embryos during IVF treatment. The technique, which scores embryos based on predicted IQ, height, and health, is not allowed at UK fertility clinics due to concerns over its scientific validity and ethics.
Under data protection laws, patients are entitled to access their raw genetic data from IVF treatments in the UK, and some have taken advantage of this to send it abroad for analysis by companies such as Herasight. The US-based company offers polygenic screening services for a fee of $50,000 (around £37,000), which claims to deliver an average IQ gain of six points.
Critics argue that the technique is unproven and raises serious ethical concerns, including the potential for a "stratified society" where wealthier parents can select embryos they deem more desirable. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has stated that polygenic testing is unlawful for use in the UK, but some fertility clinics are choosing not to block patients' requests for this type of treatment.
One clinic, Avenues in London, has two patients who plan to use Herasight's service without its involvement. The patients hope to reduce the risk of diseases and pick embryos with high predicted IQ. However, experts warn that parents may be disappointed by the results, as "the best" embryo is often a subjective concept.
The debate over polygenic screening in IVF treatment raises questions about the limits of parental choice and the role of technology in family planning. While some see it as a way to give children a better chance at life, others argue that it could lead to a culture of genetic elitism and create unrealistic expectations for parents and their children.
As the use of polygenic screening tests becomes more widespread, regulatory bodies and clinicians must navigate complex questions about the ethics and efficacy of this technology. The HFEA is under pressure to provide clear guidance on its use in the UK, while companies like Herasight must balance their business interests with concerns over scientific validity and public welfare.
Under data protection laws, patients are entitled to access their raw genetic data from IVF treatments in the UK, and some have taken advantage of this to send it abroad for analysis by companies such as Herasight. The US-based company offers polygenic screening services for a fee of $50,000 (around £37,000), which claims to deliver an average IQ gain of six points.
Critics argue that the technique is unproven and raises serious ethical concerns, including the potential for a "stratified society" where wealthier parents can select embryos they deem more desirable. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has stated that polygenic testing is unlawful for use in the UK, but some fertility clinics are choosing not to block patients' requests for this type of treatment.
One clinic, Avenues in London, has two patients who plan to use Herasight's service without its involvement. The patients hope to reduce the risk of diseases and pick embryos with high predicted IQ. However, experts warn that parents may be disappointed by the results, as "the best" embryo is often a subjective concept.
The debate over polygenic screening in IVF treatment raises questions about the limits of parental choice and the role of technology in family planning. While some see it as a way to give children a better chance at life, others argue that it could lead to a culture of genetic elitism and create unrealistic expectations for parents and their children.
As the use of polygenic screening tests becomes more widespread, regulatory bodies and clinicians must navigate complex questions about the ethics and efficacy of this technology. The HFEA is under pressure to provide clear guidance on its use in the UK, while companies like Herasight must balance their business interests with concerns over scientific validity and public welfare.
I'm really worried about this whole polygenic screening thing. Like, what's next? Are we gonna choose our kids' life partners based on their genetics too? 
And $50k is a lot of money for something that might not even work... have you seen the stats on these tests? They're like super vague. And what about all the cases where it just doesn't deliver on its promises? That's not cool, you know? 
Also, I'm not sure I agree with the idea that parents are gonna be able to pick out "the best" embryo. Like, isn't that still a pretty subjective thing to do? Shouldn't we be focusing on more practical stuff, like access to healthcare and education? 
This whole polygenic screening thing is a bit too much for me 
. I mean, what's wrong with just hoping your kid turns out okay? 
Do we really need to know their IQ score at birth? 
Six points might not sound like much, but think about all the pressure that comes with knowing that 
. And those companies are charging a small fortune for this service? 
.
I think we need to be careful not to create a society where some kids are seen as more superior than others 
. It's already hard enough being different in this world 
.
. We can't just let companies run wild with their own interests 
, not trying to play God 
.
... I mean, can you imagine if people start choosing embryos just because they want a super smart kid or one that's gonna be taller than average? It sounds like some kind of science fiction movie 
.
. We can't have people making decisions for their own kids that are based on arbitrary things like IQ scores... it's too much pressure, if you ask me 
.
. And what's next? Genetic editing? Gene hacking? 
It's like playing God in a petri dish 
.
.
. We don't want to create a system that favors wealthier parents or discriminates against those who can't afford it 
It's all well and good that they want a better chance at life for their kids, but come on, it's not like you can just genetically engineer your way into having perfect offspring 
. And what about the ones who don't turn out so great? Are we gonna blame them too? 
It's a slippery slope, man...
, and they're using some loophole to pay $50k for a genetic screening test that claims to give 'em an IQ boost of 6 points 
. It's like, chill, you're already paying $50k for a kid, don't expect some magic test to make 'em a genius overnight 
and i gotta say as much as i wanna know the science behind it, its kinda wild that ppl are doin this without even checkin if its legit. i mean we gotta think about all the other factors that make a kid awesome not just some scored value. and what about the cost? like how r these parents gonna afford 2 more kids after payin that kind of cash lol plus what happens when the gov realizes this is goin on and steps in? its already a gray area but now its like a whole new can of worms