Abstract
BackgroundCurrent preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) technologies enable embryo genotyping across the whole genome. This has led to the development of polygenic risk scoring of human embryos (PGT-P). Recent implementation of PGT-P, including screening for intelligence, has been extensively covered by media reports, raising major controversy. Considering the increasing demand for assisted reproduction, we evaluated how information about PGT-P is communicated in press media and explored the diversity of ethical themes present in the public debate.MethodsLexisNexis Academic database and Google News were searched to identify articles about polygenic embryo screening. This led to 535 news articles. 59 original articles met the inclusion criteria. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse these articles.Results8.8% of articles gave embryo polygenic scoring a positive portrayal, while 36.8% expressed a negative attitude. 54.4% were neutral, mostly highlighting limited practical value of the technology in in vitro fertilization settings. We identified five main ethical themes that are also present in academic literature and the broader debate on reproductive technologies: a slippery slope towards designer babies, well-being of the child and parents, impact on society, deliberate choice and societal readiness.ConclusionsImplementation of embryo polygenic profiling engenders a need for specific recommendations. Current media analysis discloses important ethical themes to consider when creating future guidelines for PGT-P.
Highlights
Current preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) technologies enable embryo genotyping across the whole genome
While the first clinical application of CRISPR technology on human embryos was heavily criticized by the scientific community, calling for a moratorium on embryo gene editing for clinical purposes [13], the use of polygenic risk scoring for embryo selection recently became a reality [14, 15]
One third of articles (36.8%) expressed a negative attitude towards Preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic conditions (PGT-P) and only 8.8% saw it as a positive advancement in the field (Fig. 1)
Summary
Current preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) technologies enable embryo genotyping across the whole genome. This has led to the development of polygenic risk scoring of human embryos (PGT-P). The ability to genotype embryos allowed translating this concept to PGT for polygenic disorders, or PGT-P, to perform embryo profiling for a variety of complex diseases and traits, including intelligence [14, 15]. The novel application was subsequently commercialized by Genomic Prediction Inc., a US-based company, which offers couples embryo polygenic risk estimation for complex traits, including intellectual disability [17]
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