Question

sed to P eStory A couple has three children, aged 17, 14, and 12. The 17-year-old has leuke that has failed all attempts to date. The oncologist notes that if the next motherapy also fails the only hope is a bone marrow transplant. They n that the patient has a rare tissue type and no appropriate donor can be nd. The parents recognize that if they had another child, this new child ght have the same tissue type as their oldest (the 14- and 12-year olds do t have it). If so, this child could then be the needed bone marrow donor. ey are referred to a fertility specialist for help in becoming pregnant (they e in their mid-forties and need in vitro fertilization due to an earlier tubal ation) and for any help that can be given in having a child with the "right" sue type. A new technique that has been developed which allows the physi n to genetically screen embryos. After in vitro fertilization a cell is removed om each embryo and tested to see if it is the genetic match the couple is or.If it is, that embryo will be used for an attempt at implantation.lIf is not, it is estroyed. Is this an appropriate reason to become pregnant? ls atempt to select a compatible embryo ethically appropriate? uickly start a family

Answer 1

In this developing era of human science, genetic engineering of human embryo is one of the developments that genetic engineering has to offer. Reprogenetics and preimplantation genetic disgnosis are the procedures through which parents can choose the genome of their offsprings and be saved from sex linked disease or genetically transfered disease.

This method of reproduction is of ethical concern as various reasons are for and against it.

Arguments supporting genetic screening and reprogenetics:

1. Genetically transfered disease can be detected early

2. Sex linked and risk factor of genetic transmission of disease can be avoided.

3. Early identification of genetic disease can help the parent to prepare in diet and other aspects to prevent the severity of the Disease

4. By linking genes to disease, the molecular scientist will be able to find more treatment choices so as to enable the child a productive life.

5. The couple with diseases can dream of Parenthood with children not having their condition and hence be happy parents

Arguments against genetic screening and reprogenetics:

1. It's interference with the law of nature to reproduce and against the religious ethics.

2. It can form a base for discrimination of superiority and inferiority based on the genetic makeup.

3. Insurance companies may use such techniques as pre- requisite for health insurance and reimbursement due to which health insurance can be difficult for individuals

4. This can increase the possibility of abortions after genetic screening revealing about a prevailing genetically transfered diagnosis.

5. Interfering with law of nature to improve the quality of human race is a benefit but the repercussion of such an treatment and prenatal diagnosis is awaited which can be worse.

Every parent would always dream of a having a normal and healthy baby. Knowing that the baby can suffer from a condition transfered by the parent produces ample amount of guilt and regret. In such an atmosphere, reprogenetics and preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a ray of hope. Many laws and regulations should be mandatory which can protect misusing of such treatment. Afterall, conception and child birth is a couples personalised descision and Ethics depends on their principles and Ethics in life as well.