UK Couples Exploit Legal Loophole for Genetic Embryo Selection: A Controversial PracticeIn the UK, couples undergoing IVF are reportedly using a legal loophole to rank embryos based on genetic predictions for traits like IQ and health. This practice, known as polygenic embryo screening, involves using algorithms to predict various physical and mental characteristics. While the UK has regulations for embryo testing, the specific application of polygenic screening for complex traits isnt explicitly covered.The scientific community has raised concerns about this practice. Professor Frances Flinter, a member of the HFEA, stated that polygenic scores are often very crude and only capture a small part of the heritable component for complex traits like IQ. She also highlighted that the accuracy of these predictions for embryo selection is largely untested.Advocates argue that parents should have the autonomy to make these decisions, believing the technology could offer health benefits. However, critics emphasize that the scientific validation for using these tests in embryo selection is insufficient, and the predictions are probabilistic, meaning a high score for a condition doesnt guarantee its development.This situation highlights a growing ethical and scientific debate about the boundaries of genetic screening in reproductive medicine, as technology advances faster than current regulations can keep pace.

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