What ethical issue is raised by screening embryos through preimplantation genetic diagnosis?

• A. Cost of procedures
• B. Access to technology
• C. Ethical questions
• D. Long-term consequences

Answer: (C)

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) raises significant ethical questions primarily surrounding the implications of selecting embryos based on genetic information. This process allows for the identification of genetic defects or diseases before implantation, which can lead to complex decisions regarding which embryos to implant and which to discard. The ethical issues concern the moral status of embryos, potential societal pressures toward 'designer babies,' and the implications of enabling parents to make choices that could reinforce existing inequalities.

Moreover, it raises questions about consent, especially when the technology is applied to embryos that do not have a voice or ability to consent. The broader societal implications of such technology, including how it may affect perceptions of disability or value within different communities, also contribute to the ethical considerations surrounding PGD.

While access to technology, costs, and long-term consequences are important considerations, the core ethical issues revolve around the complex moral dilemmas and societal implications that arise from the ability to screen and select embryos based on genetic criteria.