Parents Consider Embryo Screening for Genetic Traits, Including IQ, Despite Ethical Concerns and Scientific Uncertainty
A growing number of parents are exploring preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic disorders (PGT-P) to screen embryos for various traits, including intelligence (IQ), height, and predispositions to certain health conditions like diabetes and cancer. This technology, which can cost up to $50,000 for testing alone, allows parents to select embryos based on probabilistic predictions derived from polygenic risk scores. While traditional PGT-A screens for chromosomal abnormalities and PGT-M identifies specific hereditary conditions, PGT-P is newer and more controversial, as it assesses complex traits influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. Companies like Herasight and Nucleus Genomics offer these services, with some parents, such as Simone and Malcolm Collins, openly discussing their use of PGT-P to consider IQ and health risks in embryo selection. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine does not recommend PGT-P for clinical use, citing it as a nascent and unproven technolo...
