A controversial genetic testing technology, developed by Orchid Health, is raising concerns about eugenics in assisted reproductive technology. This technology allows parents undergoing in vitro fertilization to choose which embryos to implant based on their genetic predisposition to certain physical and mental conditions. For a hefty fee of $12,500, five embryos can be biopsied and screened for potential diseases and disorders, giving parents the opportunity to make informed decisions about which embryos to carry to term.
Orchid’s technology claims to analyze more than 99% of an embryo’s DNA for conditions like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, cancer, autism, and more. However, the company has faced backlash from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium for allegedly misusing data for commercial purposes. Despite these allegations, Orchid founder Noor Siddiqui believes that genetic testing is essential to ensure healthy babies and prevent the birth of children with severe conditions.
Critics argue that this technology promotes eugenics by allowing parents to select embryos based on their genetic makeup, potentially leading to the destruction or abandonment of embryos deemed less desirable. While supporters of Orchid’s technology claim it reduces disease and suffering in children, others see it as a way to devalue human life based on genetic traits.
As Orchid’s technology becomes more widely available, the debate over its ethical implications continues. Critics warn that prioritizing genetic traits over the sanctity of life sets a dangerous precedent in the world of assisted reproductive technology.
