Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: Technical and ethical considerations [Diagnóstico Genético Pré-Implantação: Aspetos Técnicos e Considerações Éticas]

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Oliva Tele, N (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Acta Medica Portuguesa

Vol. 24 No. 4

Pages: 987-996

ISSN: 0870-399X

Publisher: Ordem dos Medicos

Indexing

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-459

Abstract (EN): Following the advances in the techniques of medically assisted reproduction (ART), 1990 has seen the first born child after the development of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. In this analysis embryos are tested for the presence of genetic anomalies at three to five days after fertilization and only unaffected embryos are transferred to the maternal uterus. The technique offers good prospects to couples at risk for conventional prenatal diagnosis. It is particularly useful where ART techniques are necessary, in which early embryo selection avoids later termination of pregnancy. In Portugal the application of laws concerning regulation of medically assisted reproduction in 2008 has clarified and formalised the medical and laboratory procedures and in some cases fundamentally changed them, particularly in the requirement to cryopreserve all high quality non-transferred embryos and in specifying conditions in which embryo experimentation may be permitted. Ethical problems related to this technique start well before the analysis with detailed non-directive genetic counselling, obtaining informed consent for the procedure and maintaining strict confidentiality. The main ethical problems are concerned with the status, investigation and manipulating of the embryo, eugenic or sex selection and the provision with resources. The great ethical challenge for future generations will be the definition of reasonable limits for embryo manipulation, taking into account various possibilities including preconceptional gene therapy, while always remembering the application of the four fundamental bioethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. © 2011 CELOM.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific