Loophole Allows UK Patients to Genetically Screen Embryos Abroad

British fertility clinics are encountering significant scientific and ethical quandaries as patients exploit a legal loophole to send embryo genetic data overseas for analysis. This practice allows for the screening of embryos based on predicted IQ, height, and health, a method not permitted within the UK due to its unproven nature and ethical concerns.

Several US-based companies, such as Herasight, are offering these advanced polygenic screening services, charging substantial fees for assessing multiple embryos. While these companies confirm working with UK patients, they state they do not influence clinic decisions. UK regulators deem such testing unlawful for domestic use, though they acknowledge it's difficult to prevent patients from seeking it abroad.

Experts warn of a potential future with genetic stratification and question the scientific validity of these predictions in embryo selection. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is grappling with how to regulate this evolving technology, with some advocating for regulated domestic use over unchecked overseas practices.