New Reproductive Technologies

• Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis

  The genetic makeup of an embryo is fixed at the time of fertilisation - determined by DNA from the parents
• PGD involves Screening the genes of the embryo during IVF and only implanting embryos free from genetic abnormalities
• Cells from the pre-embryo are removed and tested for specific genetic disorders. The pre embryo is then transferred to the womb
• It can be used to test for specific disorders e.g cystic fibrosis and Huntingtons Disease
• It is legal in the UK and controlled by the HFEA
• If we accept PGD then we accept that those with a disability have less value than those without
• slippery slope argument- who decides what embryos are destroyed