Regulating PGD in Practice

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss the two major sociolegal concepts relating to the regulation of PGD in practice: the importance of reproductive autonomy and the fear that embryo selection will return us to an era of eugenics. We then present the various levels at which PGD might be regulated, culminating in a summary of the pros and cons of government regulation vs. professional self-regulation. The UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s system for regulating PGD is offered as one example of how policy can be developed in this scientific and moral gray area. The chapter concludes with a presentation of available data on both public and professional opinion regarding the appropriate uses and limitations of PGD. The “bottom line” is that in order to answer the question “should PGD be more regulated?”, we must first decide whether the present state of self-regulation is sufficient, which in turn depends on our views regarding government involvement in medical practice, reproductive autonomy, and whether or not current uses of PGD are morally troubling.