Debate 3: Genetically Tested Embryos Expected to Have Mild Adult Disease Should Not Be Transferred

Abstract

MOTION: For Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been widely used in the field of genetic diseases, mainly focusing on the diagnosis of genetic diseases, newborn screening, prenatal screening, preimplantation genetic test (PGT) and other fields such as the treatment of cancer. In the field of reproductive medicine, there are still some issues that engendered controversy about the application of PGT. On one hand, disputes over whether using PGT to treat late-onset diseases is ethical remain. On the other hand, some tested embryos are “available” to transfer, while others are “discarded” embryos that are “unavailable” because they are detected carrying certain genetic flaws. But there are still some embryos biopsied expected to have some genetic abnormality that might or not cause malfunction, including embryos with copy number variant of uncertain significance (VUS), embryos tested with adult-onset genetically anomalousness, embryos of balanced translocation as well as mosaic embryos. So how to dispose of this group of embryos in clinical practice is a hot issue up to now. In this debate, we reviewed the relevant case reports and original research combined with the joint consensus or committee opinion to state our proposition: embryos tested with possible abnormal genetic characteristics and thus expected to have mild adult disease should not be transferred. Parents undergoing PGT may wish to avoid the lifelong concern caused by the chance that their children may develop adult-onset conditions. The transfer of embryos expected to have mild adult disease is contrary to their original intention of seeking PGT treatment. Whether intentional or incidental, the discovery and request for transfer of embryos likely to result in the birth of offspring with health-affecting conditions pose ethical dilemmas for physicians and their staff, patients, and society. MOTION: AGAINST Preimplantation genetic testing provides couples with powerful reproductive choices. The technology allows individuals to avoid giving birth to children with significant health issues and developmental disability. Additionally, serious familial adult-onset conditions, such as predisposition to cancer or dementia, can be screened out of future generations. Polygenetic risk scores will be the next leap in genetic testing technology. This data can used to determine the chances of an embryo developing adult-onset conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental illness and even gout. This presentation argues that there is a limit at which society should stop screening embryos for disease and draws upon practical observations and well-accepted ethical frameworks to support the case.