Abstract

This paper will ethically examine two methods of preimplantation genetic diagnosis by means of embryo biopsy and polar body analysis. These two methods can be implemented as precautions against infertility caused by chromosomal factors in married couples; one of the causes of infertility in “an estimated number of more than 1,400,000 married couples”, and we consider whether or not these two PGD methods should be thought of as the selection of life.1. Is the JSOG endorsed embryo biopsy PGD implemented as a precaution against “habitual miscarriage thought to be caused by structural chromosomal disorders” the selection of life?2. Is the JSOG non-endorsed embryo biopsy PGD implemented as a precaution against “miscarriage thought to be caused by numerical chromosomal disorders” the selection of life?3. Is polar body analysis PGD the selection of life?It is not possible to acknowledge individual gametes as possessing life, but from a developmental medical standpoint, where the awakening of life is thought to occur at the moment of insemination, both embryo biopsy PGD using PCR, FISH and CGH, as well as polar body analysis PGD using CGH, are considered the selection of life, whether they are used for the JSOG endorsed precautionary purpose of preventing “habitual miscarriage thought to be caused by structural chromosomal disorders”, or for the JSOG non-endorsed precautionary purpose of preventing “miscarriage thought to be caused by numerical chromosomal disorders”.However, in reality, even in the natural circumstances of the womb, the selection of life occurs. Concretely speaking, chromosomal disorders frequently occur with inseminated egg cells under natural circumstances. Consequently, inseminated egg cells with chromosomal disorders, either do not become implanted in the uterus, or abort even when they do become implanted. There are cases in which this natural screening process is sidestepped and pregnancy occurs, but the number of such cases is extremely small.If we arrive at a conclusion based on the above facts, then both embryo biopsy PGD and polar body analysis PGD used for patients suffering from “habitual miscarriage thought to be caused by structural chromosomal disorders”, and currently JSOG non-endorsed embryo biopsy PGD and polar body analysis PGD as a precautionary measure against “miscarriage thought to be caused by numerical chromosomal disorders”, are selective relief actions for the precious few inseminated egg cells that are able to be saved and should not be considered the selection of life