HGC reports on reproductive decision-making and genetic technologies 31/1/06. By the Public Health Genetics Unit The Human Genetics Commission has released their report, 'Making Babies: Reproductive decisions and genetic technologies'.

The report aims "…to provide a useful framework for future debate and policy in the United Kingdom" on the subject of how developments in human genetics have influenced the public and society in the area of reproductive decision-making.

The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) consulted with stakeholders and the public and have analysed the approximately 200 responses they received. In addition, they considered the conclusions reached by a group of 16-19 years old that examined the issue of 'designer babies,' as well as comments received from the HGC's Consultative Panel.

The HGC reached four general conclusions based on their deliberations:

• firstly, individual choices must be balanced against the potential for harm to other individuals or society, thus justifying some restrictions on unfettered choice
• secondly, for some 'trivial' or non-medical conditions it would be inappropriate to engage genetic technologies
• thirdly, the choices made by persons and the consequences of those choices should be supported and respected by society; for example, not engaging in prenatal screening
• fourthly, there should be 'systematic follow up' of children born as a result of new technologies, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, in order to determine any long-term consequences.

More specifically, the HGC makes recommendations in the areas of prenatal and neonatal screening and diagnostic testing; preimplantation genetic diagnosis; assisted reproductive technologies, genetics and reproductive choice; and the framework and organisation of genetic services.

For example, it supports continued research into better treatments for genetic conditions as well as appropriate services for those with genetic conditions. As noted, it calls for the follow up of children who have been born using preimplantation genetic diagnosis or as the result of a tissue match for an ill sibling ('saviour siblings.') The HGC recognises that more research is needed to chart the effects of these technologies on the resulting children, as little safety evidence is available related to preimplantation genetic diagnosis or into the wellbeing of children born after tissue matching.

Also the HGC endorses the work of the National Gamete Donation Trust in the provision of information related to gamete donation and supports the possible regulation of commercial operations involving sperm donation.

Finally, the HGC makes clear that "the anxiety that preimplantation genetic diagnosis lies at the top of a slippery slope leading to the possibility of a wide range of potential enhancements, such as intelligence or beauty, is misplaced." Such characteristics involve a complex interaction of many genes, as well as other developmental factors, and finding an embryo with the desired combination is "…very unlikely."

Article courtesy of the Public Health Genetics Unit.

Further reading

Making Babies: Reproductive decisions and genetic technologies [PDF 580KB].

Links

Human Genetics Commission