What controversial technology are Australians using in IVF?

Australians are accessing controversial genetic testing technology that ranks IVF-created embryos based on disease risk and predicted traits like intelligence and height.

Are polygenic risk scores ready for clinical use in Australia?

Experts state that the polygenic risk score technology used for embryo screening is not yet ready for clinical use.

Can Australians legally undergo embryo genetic testing abroad?

Yes, Australian IVF patients can legally undergo the embryo genetic testing abroad, even though it violates national guidelines.

Home / Health / Australians Access Controversial IVF Embryo Gene Tests

Australians Access Controversial IVF Embryo Gene Tests

4 Feb

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Summary

Australians are using controversial IVF embryo gene tests for disease and traits.
US companies offer embryo genetic screening, accessible to Australians abroad.
Tests predict traits like intelligence and disease risk from thousands of genes.

Australians Access Controversial IVF Embryo Gene Tests

A controversial genetic testing technology is being accessed by Australians during IVF treatments. This method aims to rank embryos based on their potential risk for diseases and predicted traits, including intelligence, height, and hair color. Experts caution that the technology is not yet suitable for clinical application.

While national guidelines prohibit embryo screening for such traits, US-based companies are pursuing partnerships with Australian fertility clinics. Australian IVF patients can legally undergo these advanced tests if they do so internationally, raising ethical and regulatory questions.

The technology, known as polygenic risk scores, analyzes thousands of genes. It condenses this genetic information into a single score to estimate an embryo's likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions. Patients then use these predictions to make decisions about which embryo to implant during their IVF journey.