There is something strange in the discussion around genetic responsibility and eugenics. On the one hand natural breeding with no consideration of genetic information is criticised as irresponsible and blameworthy conduct. With prenatal screening and embryo selection parents cannot be blamed for suffering because they have done the best they could to prevent it.
However the whole idea of eliminating BRCA mutation carriers from being born is easily likened to eugenics, a science overshadowed by historical connotations that evoke strong feelings of discomfort.
Although PGD screening is now fairly routine for some severe inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease, applying it to conditions such as inherited breast cancer has proved controversial. Because there is a chance that carriers of the mutation will not develop breast cancer, screening inevitably means some embryos that are screened out would have led healthy lives. However to those who believe in scientific solutions and statistic calculations, fatalism is not a valid approach. The more knowledge we have and given the power to control the future, the less likely we are to leave anything to chance.
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