Screening for Genetic Disorders

Question 1

What does IVF stand for?

Answer 1

In vitro fertilisation

Question 2

Embryos can be screened for [ ]

Answer 2

Genetic disorders

Question 3

Describe the process of IVF

Answer 3

Embryos are fertilised in a laboratory and then implanted into the mother’s womb. More that one egg is fertilised, so there is a better chance of the IVF being successful

Question 4

How are embryos screened?

Answer 4

Before being implanted (IVF), it’s possible to remove a cell from each cell and analyse its genes
Many genetic disorders can be detected this way

Question 5

What are the arguments against genetic screening? (4)

Answer 5

1) There may come a point where everyone wants to screen their embryos so they can pick the most ‘desirable’ one
2) The rejected embryos are destroyed - thy could have developed into humans
3) It implies that people with genetic problems are ‘undesirable’ - this could increase prejudice
4) Screening is expensive

Question 6

What are the arguments for genetic screening? (4)

Answer 6

1) It will help to stop people suffering
2) There are laws to stop it going too far. At the moment parents cannot even select the sex of their baby
3) During IVF, most of the embryos are destroyed anyway - screening just allows the selected 1 to be healthy
4) Treating disorders costs the government a lot of money