Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) Research Paper

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) - Research Paper Example This technique has made it possible for people that do have a specific genetic condition to avoid passing it on to their off spring (Ashcroft, 2013, p. 218). It is important to make a distinction between pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and preimplantation genetic screening. The diagnosis procedure refers specifically to the situation whereby one or both of the genetic parents of a child in question actually has one or more numerous types of serious genetic abnormalities. If this is the case, the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis procedure can be performed on a particular embryo to determine if it also carries that specific genetic abnormality as well. Pre-implantation genetic screening, on the other hand, is a procedure that is performed when embryos from genetic parents are thought to be normal from a chromosomal perspective, but the genetic parents are screened for aneuploidy (Ashcroft, 2013). The purpose of the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis procedure is, to a large degree, to ensure that only unaffected embryos end up being transferred to the uterus for implantation. This is a viable alternative to the current diagnostic procedures that are typically run after naturally conception has occurred. Examples of this include amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. These tests are often followed by difficult decisions having to be made if abnormal results are achieved, such as deciding to terminate the pregnancy. This issue is quite important today as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis remains the only option that is currently available for parents who are genetically predisposed to certain serious genetic diseases to avoid giving birth to a child that will have the same disease. This must take place prior to the embryo being transferred, or lasting psychological and emotional harm may occur (Dayal, 2010). The