The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the HFEA, has drawn up a list of more than 100 inherited conditions that fertility clinics can screen out without the need for special permission. It takes into account the age of onset and the variability of the symptoms, if there is existing treatment, and if so, how invasive is it. While some of the conditions on the list can result in deformity, severe pain, and even premature death, it also includes minor illnesses such as the blood disorder thalassaemia, and Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition that can lead to abnormal growth.
The genetic conditions are currently targeted by pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a technique that allows people with a specific inherited condition in their family to avoid passing it on to their children. Cells are removed from an eightcell embryo three days after fertilisation. The cells are put through PGD and embryos found to be carrying the defects are discarded while healthy ones are kept.
The process however has triggered criticism from pressure groups; David King, director of Human Genetics Alert, said: “It contributes to a social climate in which even minor deviations from ‘normality’ are seen as unacceptable.” Telegraph
Follow-up: Inaccurate media portrayal of PGD for 'minor' genetic disorders
Marfan syndrome is NOT a minor illness.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I appreciate the sentiment, but I think the question remains: Does an embryo with Marfan syndrome deserve to die? Is it an unbearable condition? The article mentions several well-known people who have the condition and have lived notable lives.
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