Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis is a stage in IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) where cells in the blastomeric stage are tested to determine whether there are any chromosomal abnormalities before implantation (Genetics and IVF Institute, 2013). It is used to check an embryo’s health. Cells are biopsied from an embryo created via IVF and are tested against a range of chromosomal and genetic diseases. With the assisted use of Karyomapping – a technique for analysing specific genetic disorders – a professional can determine whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. If the embryo is healthy and gene disorder free, it is then implanted in the uterus or frozen for later use (American Pregnancy Association, 2016).
For those that cannot …show more content…
Many believe that the gender of a child should remain unknown until birth and should not be determined by what chromosomes are present in the blastomeres. This argument is linked to that of pro-life groups that believe that life begins at conception and that destroying unformed embryos is taking a life that could have been. Not everyone holds this opinion and many are very avid to use PGD, as they cannot conceive without added help. PGD helps to identify which embryos are potentially viable to be implanted and have the best chances of becoming healthy children. It is not assured that once tested the child will not have a disorder; it is still possible for the child to develop a disorder later during pregnancy or later in life. When the embryo is biopsied to retrieve a cell to test one might speculate that the act may harm the embryo from developing properly. IVFAustralia says, “Despite the removal of a few cells from the embryo, there have been no reports of any health problems as a result of embryo biopsy in children conceived after …show more content…
To be able to intervene and choose whether your child grows up as someone with a rich, full life instead of a shortened or impaired life is quite a large step in the right direction. I have no quarrels with taking cells out of embryos if it has no effect on the development of the embryo. If it somehow degrades the embryo then I feel the treatment is not justified by any means. I honestly feel that in the years to come this technology will be adapted and altered to better fit the world and improve quality of life for all. This technology helps thousands of people that cannot have children and I feel that is amazing. On the point of not being able to choose genders, I do not agree that you should have no control over what gender your child is unless it has to do with sex-linked diseases. If you want a girl, you should be able to have a girl. Overall, I feel PGD is a marvellous way to help those struggling with issues to do with failed pregnancies and help keep families
For those that cannot …show more content…
Many believe that the gender of a child should remain unknown until birth and should not be determined by what chromosomes are present in the blastomeres. This argument is linked to that of pro-life groups that believe that life begins at conception and that destroying unformed embryos is taking a life that could have been. Not everyone holds this opinion and many are very avid to use PGD, as they cannot conceive without added help. PGD helps to identify which embryos are potentially viable to be implanted and have the best chances of becoming healthy children. It is not assured that once tested the child will not have a disorder; it is still possible for the child to develop a disorder later during pregnancy or later in life. When the embryo is biopsied to retrieve a cell to test one might speculate that the act may harm the embryo from developing properly. IVFAustralia says, “Despite the removal of a few cells from the embryo, there have been no reports of any health problems as a result of embryo biopsy in children conceived after …show more content…
To be able to intervene and choose whether your child grows up as someone with a rich, full life instead of a shortened or impaired life is quite a large step in the right direction. I have no quarrels with taking cells out of embryos if it has no effect on the development of the embryo. If it somehow degrades the embryo then I feel the treatment is not justified by any means. I honestly feel that in the years to come this technology will be adapted and altered to better fit the world and improve quality of life for all. This technology helps thousands of people that cannot have children and I feel that is amazing. On the point of not being able to choose genders, I do not agree that you should have no control over what gender your child is unless it has to do with sex-linked diseases. If you want a girl, you should be able to have a girl. Overall, I feel PGD is a marvellous way to help those struggling with issues to do with failed pregnancies and help keep families