When Risk is Framed as Certainty: Ethical Concerns in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Polygenic Disorders (PGT-P)...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive genetics
• Medical ethics
• Genomic risk assessment

Background:

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Polygenic Disorders (PGT-P) is a new reproductive technology.
• It utilizes polygenic risk scores (PRS) to assess genetic predisposition to multifactorial diseases.
• Concerns exist regarding the interpretation and communication of PRS results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the ethical implications of PGT-P.
• To analyze how promotional language surrounding PGT-P affects informed decision-making.
• To critique the presentation of probabilistic risk as predictive information.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of promotional materials and scientific literature on PGT-P.
• Examination of the ethical frameworks related to genetic testing and informed consent.
• Evaluation of the scientific validity and limitations of polygenic risk scores.

Main Results:

• Commercial PGT-P providers often present PRS results as predictive rather than probabilistic.
• This marketing downplays the inherent limitations and uncertainties of PRS.
• The portrayal of risk as certainty can mislead prospective parents.

Conclusions:

• Promotional language in PGT-P can erode the ethical basis of informed reproductive decision-making.
• Misrepresenting probabilistic risk as predictive undermines scientific integrity.
• PGT-P may inadvertently promote genetic optimization narratives over accurate risk communication.