Advances in reproductive technology have opened up new possibilities for prospective parents. One area of significant interest and debate is the genetic modification of embryos, a process that involves altering an embryo's DNA to achieve specific genetic outcomes.
This practice is often confused with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which is a set of procedures used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before the embryo transfer. It aims to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders.
We’re here to help clarify the differences between these two practices, their purposes and impacts on embryos, addressing ethical issues associated with each.
What Are Genetically Modified Embryos?
Genetic modification, also known as genome editing, involves altering the DNA of an organism. This process is often performed using advanced techniques such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats).
Genetic modification is illegal in the U.S. and many other countries.
CRISPR allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA sequence, potentially correcting genetic defects, enhancing traits or even eliminating diseases. With genetically engineered embryos, genetic modification would involve editing the DNA at the earliest stages of development to ensure the desired genetic outcomes.
Are Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) and Embryo Genetic Modification the Same?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a procedure used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus.
Unlike genetic modification, PGT does not alter the DNA of the embryos. Instead, it identifies embryos that are more likely to develop successfully and result in a healthy pregnancy.
With PGT, embryos are biopsied and analyzed to determine their genetic makeup. This process helps select embryos with the highest chance of implantation and a lower risk of miscarriage or genetic disorders. The embryos are not modified in any way; the goal is to simply gather information to guide the selection process.
The Ethics Behind Embryo Genetic Modification and PGT
One of the major ethical concerns surrounding PGT stems from fears that it could lead to genetic modification. While PGT is used to select the most viable embryos, some worry that this technology might pave the way for more controversial practices, such as designer babies or the misuse of genetic modification.
The potential unknown effects of altering genes in embryos add to the ethical debate. There are concerns about long-term health consequences and the possibility of unintended genetic changes.
Genetic Modification: Aims to alter the genetic code to achieve desired traits or eliminate genetic disorders. PGT: Focuses on identifying existing genetic conditions to select the healthiest embryos for implantation. Genetic Modification: Involves directly editing the DNA using techniques like CRISPR, which can add, remove, or replace genetic material. PGT: Involves biopsying embryos and analyzing their DNA without altering it, providing a genetic profile to inform embryo selection. Genetic Modification: Alters the embryo’s DNA, which can have permanent and heritable effects. This process is currently illegal in the U.S. due to ethical and safety concerns. PGT: Does not change the embryo’s DNA. It helps in selecting embryos that have the best chance of developing into a healthy pregnancy without any direct intervention on their genetic material.Differences Between Genetic Modification and PGT
Genetic modification and PGT are practices with different purposes and processes. While genetic modification involves editing the DNA of embryos, PGT screens embryos to select the healthiest ones without altering their genetic makeup.
PGT is not only an important part of the IVF process, but for success in surrogacy as well.
If you need help connecting with an embryo genetic testing clinic, then contact us online now or call us at 1-800-875-2229.