If you could see your baby before it’s conceived, would you want to?
For many couples looking to get pregnant, doctors may recommend that they each get tested for genetic diseases. Some expectant moms are also advised to undergo tests like an amniocentesis during their second trimester to rule out certain birth defects like Down syndrome. However, GenePeeks is a company that takes testing one step further by combining the DNA of the prospective parents to make ‘virtual babies.’
The company came about when founder, Anne Morriss, received the news that her newborn son tested positive for the Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency six years ago. It’s an inherited disorder that prevents the body from converting fats to sugar. If not diagnosed early, it can be fatal.
According to Daily Mail, finding out about her sperm donor’s genetic disorder, prompted Morriss to start the company featuring their flagship Matchright technology.
While there are similar ones on the market, GenePeeks is said to be 100,000 times more powerful. The process involves mixing of genetic information between a sperm and an egg. Once the embryos are produced, the computer software creates a digital child and searches for mutations that can cause rare diseases. A list of ‘safe’ donors is then generated and given to the clients to choose from.
Although the software can aid in detecting diseases, it also raises the issue of ‘designer babies.’ The patent covers the ability to detect skin and eye color, which has some people concerned. However, Morriss answers her critiques in an interview with Bio-ItWorld.com. “Would I rather just roll the dice or find out that the love of my life and I are putting our child at risk if we decide to start a family?” she asked.
“We are aware that we are strolling into a very intense debate, scientifically, ethically, morally,” Morriss said. “I think about it in simple terms, which is if we can reduce the number of kids that have to get these diseases, then we should,” She told Bostonglobe.com.
When it comes to genetically engineering babies, Sheldon Krimsky is totally against it. The Lenore Stern Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at Tufts University and an adjunct professor of public health and community medicine says that the risks out weigh the benefits. “There are safer and more dependable methods for preventing the birth of a child with a severe genetic abnormality than by genetic modification of the germ cells. The use of prenatal screening or pre-implantation embryo diagnosis will suffice in most cases to prevent the birth of a genetically abnormal embryo,” he claimed.
I can only speak for myself in regards to genetic testing. Aside from the usual blood work recommended by my ob-gyn prior to conceiving, my husband and I decided to forego any extra testing. If we were to find out that something could be wrong with our children, it would be a tough decision to terminate the pregnancy.
GenePeeks rules out defects before conception, which seems to erase that concern, yet the thought of making a decision to not have my kids is pretty scary. It all boils down to what works best for the individuals involved. It’s a very personal decision that some people may have to make. Who are we to judge?
What are your thoughts on GenePeeks? Would you consider it?
Stacy-Ann Gooden (aka Weather Anchor Mama) can be seen delivering the weather on the news weeknights in New York City. But her most important role is being a wife and mom. She writes about balancing career and motherhood in her blog, Weather Anchor Mama. You can also follow her on twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.