Tailored genes: IVF, genetic engineering, and eugenics.

Synopsis – Developments in in vitro fertilization techniques and recombinant DNA technology are improving the technical feasibility of genetically manipulating human embryos. The combination of these technologies allows a new form of eugenic selection to be practiced and some IVF practitioners and researchers are advocating that genetic disorders can be eradicated from future generations in the human population. Prevention of the inheritance of “defective” genes by embryo manipulation or screening can be likened to the passing of laws in previous times, disallowing marriages that would produce “genetically diseased” offspring. The increasing number of genetic probes being developed to predict genetic disorders in embryos (e.g., Huntington’s disease) means that IVF preimplantation embryos can be genetically screened. With this knowledge, so-called “defective” embryos would not be reimplanted. The recent development of a DNA probe that can be used to sex human embryos will potentially allow sex predetermination of IVF or naturally conceived embryos. The increased emphasis on locating genetic markers for an increasing number of diseases (including psychological conditions such as manic depression) means that the number of diagnostic screening tests will also expand. Ultimately, it is researchers who are deciding which tests will be developed, and it seems that the technical feasibility will provide the justification for genetic manipulation and screening in human embryos. The eugenic nature of such research and its subsequent application to humans only serves to reinforce prejudices against those with disabilities (genetically caused or not). Looking to the future, the technologies will undoubtedly be used in sexist and racist fashions as well.