Pre-Implantation Diagnosis
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is the process which involves the testing of embryos which have been produced through the process of In vitro fertilisation (IVF), for a range of genetic disorders. It can test for recessive sex linked disorders such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Dominant sex linked disorders such as incontinentia pigmenti, single gene disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and cystic fibrosis, as well as chromosomal disorders such as Anueploidy, (chromosomal insertion or deletion.)In the process of PGD a woman undergoes IVF treatment where they are given drugs to produce many eggs, which are then put into a dish where they are fertilised by the adding of sperm. When …show more content…
The main risks are associated around IVF as there are risks around the use of hormones and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which leads to the swelling and pain in the ovaries. As said in Mayo Clinic, “A small number of women may develop severe OHSS, which can cause rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, vomiting and shortness of breath.” These conditions can make the pregnancy more vulnerable. Another biological risk is that IVF can lead to multiple pregnancies, as to increase the chance of a pregnancy taking, multiple embryos are inserted. In the case of multiple foetuses there is more chance of pregnancy complications. Another risk is that there is no guarantee that these procedures will result in a successful pregnancy. Approximately 20% of all PGD procedures result in a pregnancy, however this data does not detail the health of the pregnancy and the subsequent child. Situations can occur where PGD successfully screens for one disorder, but not another, and the child is born with a life-limiting condition which was not picked up in the screening …show more content…
PGD is not 100% effective, and while it is stated on NCIB that the genetic conditions PGD can be used for “continues to climb steadily with estimates at 170 different genetic disorders,” the cost for it can be unattainable. In New Zealand the average cost of IVF treatment is $7,995 per cycle, and with medication included this goes upto $11,995. PGD is quoted at $3100, with the additional cost of embryo transfer. On top of this is the cost for consultations, appointments and any additional medications required. Also, In New Zealand 5-10% of tested embryos provide an inconclusive resultand the pregnancy has the normal risks of non-viable pregnancy, genetic disorders that did not appear in tests, and a greater risk of