Notes on NYT video on embryo screening

Video link:

http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=8f0fdc5b0427d1b0bd80d9b0f2d9a9e9aad3f046

Printed article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/health/03gene.web.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1221711637-0cNvtUFZ1PHoAH3xD636xA&pagewanted=all

Here are some key points you should have noted in watching this video:

Key term: PGD, Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Note some important facts about the colon cancer that runs in his family:

• killed mother, two uncles, three cousins -- colon cancer
• mid-life
• 50% chance it would be passed on to children
• many with the gene never get cancer at all
• 90% survival rate if caught early

Wife: "No matter how remote the possibility, it's still a possibility that she could get cancer. Why burden her with that if we don't have to?"

PGD, Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

• Only possible if in vitro fertilization is being used
• Take embryos at eight cell stage and test for genetic mutation
• Implant embryo without the genetic mutation

Bringing others on board to accept the possiblity of "meddling with nature"

Cost $10K +

Doctor:

• issue of fairness, equitable distribution of technology. Everyone should have access.
• insurance will typically not cover this if it is elective and does not involve infertility treatment
• couples want to manage their own destiny rather than let nature take its course--they feel a sense of empowerment

Mom:

• "testing for our children was the one active thing we could do"
• "we were just watching cancer take this family over"

Harmon

• 1 in 200 Americans carry genetic marker for greater suspectibility to breast or colon cancer

Doctor:

• slippery slope issue: how far will we go
• who decides?