Procreative beneficence: why we should select the best children

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Technology
• Genetics

Background:

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) enable genetic screening of embryos.
• PGD is currently used for chromosomal and inherited genetic abnormalities.
• Advancements in genetic research are identifying genes linked to complex traits and behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that non-disease genes influence life quality.
• To assert the ethical justification for using genetic information in reproductive decisions.
• To propose that couples should select embryos predicted to have the best life, considering non-disease genes.

Main Methods:

• Ethical argumentation regarding reproductive decision-making.
• Analysis of the potential applications of PGD for non-medical traits.
• Focus on genetic selection for intelligence and sex.

Main Results:

• Non-disease genes can impact an individual's potential for a good life.
• There is a rationale for utilizing available genetic data in reproductive choices.
• Selection for non-disease genes, such as intelligence or sex, is ethically permissible even if it exacerbates social inequalities.

Conclusions:

• The principle of Procreative Beneficence suggests selecting the child with the best expected life based on available genetic information.
• PGD's application can extend beyond disease prevention to encompass the selection of embryos for traits influencing life quality.
• Ethical considerations support allowing selection for non-disease genes to maximize well-being, irrespective of potential societal impacts.