Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) as many people from different backgrounds discuss wether the use of this technology is socially acceptable. PGD is used as an advantage for women having trouble with pregnancy but many people see the technology as having negative effects on natural reproduction. Through the IVF process there is an 80% fertilisatioin rate and popularity is increasing for PGD to be carried out. This poses ethical questions as the unused embryos are destroyed and discarded.

IVF is a reproductive technology where an egg is removed from a woman and joined with a sperm cell, from a man, in a test tube. The cells fuse to form a single cell (zygote) which then divides to become an embryo. Thousands of IVF babies have been born

In any IVF procedure there are risks associated with use of hormones that stimulate ovulation which could result in the potential for an ectopic pregnancy. Often to increase the chance of pregnancy, more than one embryo is implanted in the uterus which increases the likelyhood of a multiple pregnancy. Mothers who carry multiple fetuses are more likely to have pregnancy complications which could negatively affect their health. In additioin, little is known about the effects the removal of a cell may have on the embryo or the development of a child. Another consideration is the access to PGD. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is expensive. One cycle of PGD costs around $12,000-$15,000 while IVF on its own is around $10,000 per cycle. Public funding in New Zealand is essential to ensure fair and reasonable access. People who use PGD to test serious inherited genetic disorder, or due to fertility issues, are eligible for two cycles of IVF/PGD that are funded. This funding includes the cost of IVF which must accompany PGD. After these two cycles have been used up, the couple must then pay the full amount. The high price of this technology makes it harder for it to be available to a diverse range of people. Families/couples that can’t afford to spend this much won’t have the opportunity to try for a healthy baby. There are also a few concerns about its use. Many people have raised concerns about how an increase in the use of PGD will affect society. Some are concerned that PGD could have the potential to alter the way we view human reproduction and our offspring. There are many people who are against the use of PGD due to the destruction of unwanted embryos.12 The live birth rate for PGD is 20-30% per IVF cycle which is the same rate as for IVF in general. The long term health risks of children born through PGD are unknown and there is a long waiting list with delays of a year or