IVF Couples in UK Bypass Regulations by Sending Embryos Abroad for Genetic Analysis
A growing number of couples undergoing IVF treatment in the UK are exploiting a loophole in British law to obtain genetic analysis of their embryos, which can predict traits such as IQ and height. The data is then sent abroad to companies offering polygenic screening services.
The technique, known as "embryo selection" based on genetic predictions, is not permitted at UK fertility clinics, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). However, under data protection laws, patients can request access to their embryos' raw genetic data and have it analyzed abroad in an effort to select healthier or more intelligent offspring.
One US company, Herasight, is capitalizing on this loophole. For $50,000 (£37,000), the firm offers a polygenic screening service that analyzes an unlimited number of embryos and provides predictions for traits such as IQ, height, and risk scores for certain health conditions.
The company has already worked with several couples undergoing IVF at UK clinics and has built its algorithms using large genetic databases, including the UK Biobank. However, critics say the technique is unproven and raises broader ethical concerns about a potential stratified society where wealthier people can select the embryos they prefer.
According to one UK fertility clinic founder, Dr Cristina Hickman, rapid advances in embryo screening techniques have left clinics facing "legal and ethical confusion." Hickman believes that polygenic testing should be allowed in the UK, but with strict regulations to ensure it is done ethically.
The HFEA has stated that licensed clinics in the UK are not permitted to perform polygenic screening for embryo selection. However, the authority's position on this issue has been questioned by some critics, who argue that the HFEA's regulation may be unenforceable.
A growing number of couples undergoing IVF treatment in the UK are exploiting a loophole in British law to obtain genetic analysis of their embryos, which can predict traits such as IQ and height. The data is then sent abroad to companies offering polygenic screening services.
The technique, known as "embryo selection" based on genetic predictions, is not permitted at UK fertility clinics, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). However, under data protection laws, patients can request access to their embryos' raw genetic data and have it analyzed abroad in an effort to select healthier or more intelligent offspring.
One US company, Herasight, is capitalizing on this loophole. For $50,000 (£37,000), the firm offers a polygenic screening service that analyzes an unlimited number of embryos and provides predictions for traits such as IQ, height, and risk scores for certain health conditions.
The company has already worked with several couples undergoing IVF at UK clinics and has built its algorithms using large genetic databases, including the UK Biobank. However, critics say the technique is unproven and raises broader ethical concerns about a potential stratified society where wealthier people can select the embryos they prefer.
According to one UK fertility clinic founder, Dr Cristina Hickman, rapid advances in embryo screening techniques have left clinics facing "legal and ethical confusion." Hickman believes that polygenic testing should be allowed in the UK, but with strict regulations to ensure it is done ethically.
The HFEA has stated that licensed clinics in the UK are not permitted to perform polygenic screening for embryo selection. However, the authority's position on this issue has been questioned by some critics, who argue that the HFEA's regulation may be unenforceable.
I'm kinda worried about this loophole being used. I mean, what if these companies are just making it up as they go along? And what about the ethics of choosing which embryos to keep based on predicted traits? 
It's like we're playing God or something. But at the same time, I can see why some couples would want to know more about their future kids' chances of getting certain health conditions... it's a tough one. 
I don't see how this is going to end well, especially if it becomes a thing where only rich people can afford these "healthier" embryos... that's just gonna create more problems than it solves. 
The HFEA should definitely crack down on this, even if it means making some changes to the rules... I don't think we want our fertility clinics to be like some kind of genetic roulette wheel. 
- those ivf couples in uk r basically cheating the system by sendin their embryos to usa companies 4 genetic analysis & then using dat info 2 "choose" the healthier or more intelligent ones 
its like a whole new level of selective breeding... & critics are right, its super unproven & raises some major ethical concerns about creatin a stratified society 
. And have you seen those fancy algorithms they're using? They sound way too advanced for anyone to be messing around with like this 
.
, like what's the real purpose of genetic analysis here? Is it really just about creating 'healthier' or 'smarter' offspring? And who gets to decide what's 'better'? 
. I mean, what's next? Paying to have your kid analyzed for IQ before birth just because you're rich enough to afford it? 
. And what about all the poor kids who don't get picked by their 'perfect' embryos? 
Do they even exist anymore? 
. And honestly, I'm not sure if this is really worth the risk - what if the predictions are way off and you end up with an embryo that's literally a total disappointment? That'd be a waste of $50k for some people 
.
But at the same time, it's kinda worrying that people are using this loophole and sending those embryos abroad for analysis...like, aren't we already paying enough for IVF treatment in the UK? 
. And the thing is, it's not even allowed in the UK... but somehow people found a way to bypass regulations and get this super expensive ($50k 
.