Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Screening: The Rise of ‘Superbabies’ in America

Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Screening: The Rise of ‘Superbabies’ in America

A U.S. startup is stirring controversy by offering affluent couples the opportunity to screen embryos for intelligence (IQ) and other advantageous genetic traits. This practice has ignited a fierce debate about the ethical implications of such technology.

Heliospect Genomics: Pioneering Genetic Screening

Heliospect Genomics charges up to $50,000 to evaluate 100 embryos. The company claims that its innovative technology allows couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to select embryos with IQ scores potentially six points higher than those conceived naturally. This ambitious service is currently accessible to a limited clientele, with over a dozen couples reportedly having engaged in the screenings, as uncovered by recent investigative footage.

Michael Christensen, the CEO of Heliospect, stated during a video conference in November 2023 that the advancements in genetic technology could enable couples to conceive children that are free from diseases and boast superior intelligence. This communication was recorded by a member of Hope Not Hate, an activist group dedicated to combating far-right extremism.

Exploring Genetic Traits Through Polygenic Scoring

During the video call, employees of Heliospect outlined the company’s experimental genetic selection methods. Prospective parents were informed that they could utilize polygenic scoring to prioritize embryos based on cognitive potential and other traits that are often deemed desirable, such as gender, height, obesity risk, and potential mental health issues.

Heliospect touts its predictive tools as using data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive genetic repository comprising data from half a million British volunteers. Researchers globally can access this database for health-related studies deemed beneficial for the public.

Legal Framework and Ethical Implications

While UK law strictly prohibits embryo selection based on anticipated IQ, this practice remains legal in the United States, despite the commercial technology still being in development. The prospect of selecting embryos based on genetic traits raises significant ethical questions. Prominent geneticists and bioethicists caution that this could entrench divisions of ‘superior’ and ‘inferior’ genetic backgrounds.

Hope Not Hate’s investigations reveal connections between several Heliospect employees and individuals advocating for contentious views regarding genetic superiority, further complicating the company’s public image.

Concerns Over Perceived Biological Inequality

Katie Hasson, an associate director at the Center for Genetics and Society in California, articulated concerns regarding the potential normalization of the belief that biological factors underpin social inequality. This viewpoint could overshadow necessary discussions about the social causes of inequality.

A Stealthy Operation Amid Controversy

Although Heliospect Genomics has not immediately responded to inquiries, the company asserts it operates within legal parameters. It currently maintains a low profile, developing its services for a future public launch. Reports indicate that couples who screened fewer embryos were charged around $4,000 for the service.

According to recorded calls, Heliospect’s team elaborated on how its polygenic scoring leverages algorithms to predict the traits of embryos based on parental genetic data. However, the company does not provide IVF services itself.

Imagining Future Technologies

Christensen expressed a grand vision for future genetic technology possibilities, even suggesting that lab-grown eggs could facilitate the creation of embryos on a massive scale—potentially allowing for the selection of elite traits. He proposed future technologies might also predict personality characteristics, touching on complex traits like narcissism and psychopathy.

Despite this, Heliospect maintains that it has no intentions of fostering an industrial-scale egg or embryo selection process. Additionally, it claimed not to plan for personality screening services, emphasizing responsible use of genetic technology.

Addressing Ethical Concerns Through Discussion

The team at Heliospect includes Jonathan Anomaly, a controversial figure known for his defense of ‘liberal eugenics.’ He argues that parents should harness genetic technology to enhance their children’s lifelong prospects. Anomaly’s provocative standpoint aims to encourage debate surrounding these emerging technologies.

The company acquired access to UK Biobank data in June 2023, claiming its intention to employ advanced techniques for predicting complex traits, though it did not initially disclose embryo screening as a commercial aim.

Experts suggest that stricter regulations regarding access to such databases may be necessary given the ethical implications associated with screening embryos, citing the need for deeper consideration from UK Biobank and related authorities.

Emphasizing Lawfulness and Responsible Discussion

Heliospect stresses that its usage of UK Biobank data is lawful and compliant with existing regulations. The company advocates for raising awareness and fostering public discourse to navigate the ethical complexities surrounding preimplantation genetic screening. With significant implications for society, these developments warrant close examination and informed debate.