Screening for Genetic Disorders — AQA GCSE Biology (Separate)

Embryos can be tested for genetic disorders before or during pregnancy. This raises important ethical issues.

What is embryo screening?

Embryo screening involves testing the DNA of an embryo for alleles that cause genetic disorders (such as cystic fibrosis). It can be done:

• on embryos produced by IVF, before they are implanted, or
• during pregnancy, by testing cells from the fetus or surrounding fluid.

Arguments for screening

• It can stop people suffering from genetic disorders.
• Treating disorders is expensive, so screening may reduce costs.
• Parents can make informed decisions about whether to continue a pregnancy.

Arguments against screening

• It is expensive and could lead to demands for unnecessary screening.
• The testing process carries a small risk to the embryo/fetus.
• It raises fears of "designer babies" — choosing embryos for desirable, non-medical features.
• Some people have ethical or religious objections, viewing it as deciding who is "allowed" to be born.

Exam tips

• Define embryo screening as testing DNA for disease-causing alleles.
• Be able to give balanced arguments for and against.
• Mention ethical concerns (designer babies, deciding who is born).
• These are common evaluate/discuss questions — present both sides.