lentreprise.lexpress.fr
Embryo Selection: Ethical Concerns and Global Trends
A US startup offers embryo selection based on various traits, sparking ethical debates and raising concerns about the use of genetic data. The practice is spreading due to technological advancements and the increasing use of IVF.
French
France
TechnologyScienceFranceEthicsSocietyGenetics
Heliospect GenomicsUk Biobank
Michael ChristensenJonathan AnomalyHe Jiankui
- What factors contribute to the spread of embryo selection?
- The spread of embryo selection is driven by technological advances making procedures cheaper and more accurate, combined with the rise of IVF. IVF is increasingly used due to delayed parenthood, with 5 million babies born through it.
- What service does Heliospect Genomics offer and what is the cost?
- Heliospect Genomics, led by former Danish trader Michael Christensen, offers embryo selection based on IQ, adult height, obesity risk, and mental illness risk for \$4,000 per few embryos or \$50,000 for 100, claiming a six-point IQ gain, though this is considered speculative by scientists.
- What are the future implications and ethical concerns surrounding embryo selection?
- Despite bioethical laws, embryo selection for non-disease traits will likely spread due to technological contagion, with couples potentially choosing it to avoid genetically 'disadvantaged' children; it also paves the way for other eugenic methods, shown by He Jiankui's new lab opening after his CRISPR gene-editing scandal.
- What data source is used by Heliospect Genomics and what are the legal implications?
- The company uses data from UK Biobank, raising concerns as embryo selection based on IQ is illegal in the UK, but not the US. Jonathan Anomaly, Heliospect Genomics' scientific head, self-identifies as a liberal eugenicist and accessed the UK Biobank data through a research program.
- What are the public opinions and emerging trends in embryo selection in the US and Asia?
- A Nature study showed 75% of Americans support embryo analysis for disease risk, but 1/3 also support it for non-disease traits. Practices are also emerging in Asia, with South Korea facing academic pressure and India having lax regulations that contribute to a growing market.