New York Times Examines Debate Over Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

[Guest guest]

(Note: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis has been used by some

couples with CMT to prevent the CMT gene from being passed on to the

child ~ Gretchen)

New York Times Examines Debate Over Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=51212

The New York Times on Sunday examined the debate over preimplantation

genetic diagnosis, a technique that allows physicians to identify

embryos without genetic defects or chromosomal abnormalities and then

implant the embryos most likely to result in a live, healthy infant.

According to the Times, a " growing number of couples " are using PGD

to " detect a predisposition to cancers that may or may not develop

later in life and are often treatable if they do " (Harmon, New York

Times, 9/3). PGD -- which is used during in vitro fertilization -- is

an increasingly popular way to ensure a healthy pregnancy for women

who have experienced several miscarriages or for couples who are

carriers of a genetic disorder. However, some experts urge caution

when considering PGD because of a lack of data on the procedure's

success and failure rates and long-term health risks for the

resulting child. Couples also can use the procedure to select embryos

with tissue types identical to those of a severely ill child for whom

a perfect tissue match is their only possible treatment (Kaiser Daily

Women's Health Policy Report, 11/22/05). According to Salt Lake City-

based Myriad Genetics, in the last five years the number of U.S.

residents who have been tested for genetic mutations, such as " breast

cancer-risk genes " has increased tenfold. An increased " interest in

embryo testing is being driven largely by a greater knowledge of

genetics among cancer patients and their family members, " according

to the Times. Some opponents of the procedure believe that its high

cost could lead to a " genetic class divide, " the Times reports. " From

a technology perspective we can test anything, " Mark , director

of the Genesis Genetics Institute in Detroit, said, adding, " The

issue becomes what is considered serious enough to warrant such

testing. " Other critics of PGD say that it could be used to select

for embryos with " less serious " diseases and characteristics that

are " matters of preference, " according to the Times. However,

proponents of the procedure say that failing to differentiate between

people who want to avoid fatal genetic disorders and the concept

of " designer babies " is " hurtful and misleading, " the Times reports.

Because the procedure is not regulated in the U.S., its frequency is

unknown (New York Times, 9/3).