Ethical reflections on preimplantation genetic diagnoses

With fertility rates at an all-time low, children have become even more the ‘treasures’ of their families. Progress in genetic selection technology has made preimplantation genetic diagnosis an increasingly common practice in clinics. However, the practice of purposively selecting genes for future children remains controversial. In this article, the process of preimplantation genetic diagnosis is introduced and related philosophical and social perspectives are reviewed. Finally, the ethics related to this practice are discussed in the contexts of obligation theory, utility theory, and four ethical principles. The authors hope this article sheds light on the diverse perspectives used to consider and discuss the ethical issues surrounding gene selection and, importantly, helps nurses provide care grounded in ethics and humanity in ethically uncertain circumstances.