Regulating preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Australia: Disability and parental choice

Abstract

<p>Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is the process by which an early in vitro embryo is screened for a genetic condition. As the name suggests, the procedure is undertaken prior to the embryo being implanted into a woman and therefore affected embryos can be discarded. This article argues that the objections previously put forward opposing the use of PGD to select against disability are flawed. It also argues that permitting parents to act in a procreatively beneficent manner and to preserve their child's right to an open future are good reasons for parents to have the freedom to select against disability. In light of this, are there any sound reasons to limit the use of PGD to selection against serious disabilities?</p>