Models of Regulation of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Date Issued
2009
Date
2009
Author(s)
Lin, Yi-Chun
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique of testing embryos created by in vitro fertilization for a particular chromosomal or genetic disorder prior to implantation. Sexing an embryo to avoid X-linked disorders and testing for age related aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes) are the most common reasons for PGD. Lately, PGD is used not only to avoid genetic disorders, but also to select for certain characteristics, such as matching tissue type for a therapeutic purpose of an existing sibling. In addition, the demands to use PGD for fully non-medical purposes, such as sex selection of embryos solely for social or cultural reasons, are increasing.he use of PGD is controversial. The regulation of PGD is related to a great number of substantial constitutional interestes. The most important reason not to regulate PGD is prospective parent’s reproductive liberty. The regulation of PGD by the government may be considered as restricting people’s reproductive right. On the other hand, the reasons to regulate PGD include the protection of embryos, the protection of potential children’s right to an open future, possible harm or offense to disabled, and the most important one ─ human dignity. It is for the above-mentioned rights and interests that the study of PGD regulation is important and controversial, and they also explain why it is hard to get a common consensus in diverse society.o date the only PGD regulation in our country is through the indirect Artificial Reproduction Act. Full legal regulation remains impossible due to legislators’ lack of expertise or deficiency of social consensus on how to resolve the controversies. PGD is currently approved by the Department of Health based on the uncertain legal concept of “legitimate medical reason”. In practice, since the supervision of Department is loose and often merely depends on the self-regulation of the ethical committee in medical care institutions, the decision is hardly made with proper consideration of all important factors.he thesis suggests the inclusion of deliberative democracy theory to increase the legitimacy of the regulation of PGD. Deliberative public participation in the discussions of PGD regulation shall enable communication of information, stimulations by multi-values and increase of citizen intellect. Meanwhile, deliberative public participation shall also encourage the public to reflect on the complicated ethical and value issues resulted from the modern development of medical technology, which can reinforce the legitimacy of the regulation.
Subjects
preimplantation genetic diagnosis
PGD
reproductive right
embryo
Artificial Reproduction Act
deliberative democracy
citizen consensus
SDGs
Type
thesis
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
ntu-98-R95a21023-1.pdf
Size
23.32 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):402cb5f5d6de54c13e2db2ad341a2ca6