Question

Describe preimplantation genetic diagnosis and its limitations. Then comment on what restrictions, if any, should be placed on its use, and who should determine the restrictions. over 100 words

Answer 1

Describe preimplantation genetic diagnosis and its limitations.

Pre implantation genetic diagnosis is the process in which there would be a genetic screening before the embryo is implanted in the uterus. This process occurs as a part of IVF. This testing would be recommended to the couples if there is a chance that a genetic disorder will be passed on from the parent to the children. Via this process, any embryo that shows to be having a genetic defect will be removed and the embryos that are perfectly healthy will be implanted or proceeeded with the treatment. There are some limitations with this method, which are as follows:

• There is requirement of multiple embryos. And this is not always possible as many couples have limited number of embryos.
• The embryos that are saved could be cryopreserved. But, in cryopreservwtion, there might be damage to the embryos.
• The testing is time consuming and and the results may be taking up to 72 hours which further increase the chance of embryo loss.
• Also, during this process biopsy of the embryos is done. And, if the process is not done with complete precision, there may be a delay of the cell division of embryos and implantation would be late as a particular cellular stage has to be reached for implantation
• There is also a chance that detection of single gene defects may be error prone. Examples are for beta thalessemia of muscular dystrophy
• Error in detection of chromosomal translocations.
• Also, there may be errors in detection of mosaic Down’s syndrome.

PGD could be used for the siblings who might turn out to be saviours for their siblings. Also, for cases where it is absolutely necessary and both parents have a carrier condition for a disease. The lack of regulation causes problems such as se-xual selection. The regulations have to be put forward by the government itself.