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Embryo Selection: Ethics and Global Trends
Analysis of the ethical and societal impact of embryo selection based on genetic predictions, examining the practices of Heliospect Genomics and the global trends in reproductive technologies.
French
France
TechnologyHealthFranceEthicsSocietyGenetics
Heliospect GenomicsUk Biobank
Michael ChristensenJonathan AnomalyHe Jiankui
- What services does Heliospect Genomics offer and what are its pricing models?
- Heliospect Genomics, led by Michael Christensen, offers embryo selection based on predicted IQ, adult height, obesity risk, and mental illness risk for around \$4,000 per few embryos or \$50,000 for a hundred, claiming a six-point IQ boost on average.
- How is embryo selection spreading globally, and what factors are driving its expansion?
- The increasing prevalence of embryo selection in countries like South Korea and India is driven by technological advancements, IVF's rising popularity, and lax regulations, with clinics offering genetic screening and reporting high implantation success rates.
- What is public opinion regarding embryo analysis for disease and non-disease related traits?
- Public opinion shows a significant portion of Americans are open to embryo analysis for disease risk assessment, but also for non-disease related traits, highlighting a growing acceptance of embryo selection beyond medical necessity.
- What are the ethical concerns and legal implications surrounding Heliospect Genomics' practices?
- The company's methods are highly speculative and raise ethical concerns, especially given its use of UK Biobank data without complete transparency. The legality of such practices varies, with embryo selection based on IQ being illegal in the UK but legal in the US.
- What are the broader implications of embryo selection and its connection to past gene-editing controversies?
- The spread of embryo selection is influenced by technological advancements, the increasing use of IVF, and a fear of genetic disadvantage among couples. This raises concerns about further eugenics advancements, exemplified by He Jiankui's new lab opening after his gene-editing controversy.