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Kandlbinder AE. A critical view on using "life not worth living" in the bioethics of assisted reproduction. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2024; 27:189-203. [PMID: 38363499 PMCID: PMC11076207 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-023-10191-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
This paper critically engages with how life not worth living (LNWL) and cognate concepts are used in the field of beginning-of-life bioethics as the basis of arguments for morally requiring the application of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and/or germline genome editing (GGE). It is argued that an objective conceptualization of LNWL is largely too unreliable in beginning-of-life cases for deriving decisive normative reasons that would constitute a moral duty on the part of intending parents. Subjective frameworks are found to be more suitable to determine LNWL, but they are not accessible in beginning-of-life cases because there is no subject yet. Conceptual and sociopolitical problems are additionally pointed out regarding the common usage of clear case exemplars. The paper concludes that a moral requirement for the usage of PGD and GGE cannot be derived from the conceptual base of LNWL, as strong reasons that can be reliably determined are required to limit reproductive freedom on moral grounds. Educated predictions on prospective well-being might still be useful regarding the determination of moral permissibility of PGD and/or GGE. It is suggested that due to the high significance of subjective experience in the normativity of beginning-of-life bioethics, the discipline is called to more actively realize the inclusion of people with disabilities. This regards for instance research design, citation practices, and language choices to increase the accessibility of societal debates on the reproductive ethics of genetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Elisabeth Kandlbinder
- PhD Researcher, URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded, High-Risk Sub-Project 4, Department of Philosophy, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 115, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Alon I, Bussod I, Ravitsky V. Mapping ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1153-1171. [PMID: 38512655 PMCID: PMC11143109 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has attracted considerable ethical, legal, and social scrutiny, but academic debate often fails to reflect clinical realities. METHODS Addressing this disconnect, a review of 506 articles from 1999 to 2019 across humanities and social sciences was conducted to synthesize the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of PGT. This review mined PubMed, WoS, and Scopus databases, using both MeSH terms and keywords to map out the research terrain. RESULTS The findings reveal a tenfold increase in global research output on PGT's ELSI from 1999 to 2019, signifying rising interest and concern. Despite heightened theoretical discourse on selecting "optimal" offspring, such practices were scarcely reported in clinical environments. Conversely, critical issues like PGT funding and familial impacts remain underexplored. Notably, 86% of the ELSI literature originates from just 12 countries, pointing to a research concentration. CONCLUSION This review underscores an urgent need for ELSI research to align more closely with clinical practice, promoting collaborations among ethicists, clinicians, policymakers, and economists. Such efforts are essential for grounding debates in practical relevance, ultimately steering PGT towards ethical integrity, societal acceptance, and equitable access, aiming to harmonize PGT research with real-world clinical concerns, enhancing the relevance and impact of future ethical discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Alon
- Department of Development Economics, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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Hughes T, Bracewell-Milnes T, Saso S, Jones BP, Almeida PA, Maclaren K, Norman-Taylor J, Johnson M, Nikolaou D. A review on the motivations, decision-making factors, attitudes and experiences of couples using pre-implantation genetic testing for inherited conditions. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:944-966. [PMID: 33969393 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT), fertile couples undergo IVF with genetic testing of embryos to avoid conceptions with a genetic condition. There is an exponentially increasing uptake with over 600 applications listed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the UK. The psychological aspects of the decision-making process and the experience of PGT, however, are relatively underevaluated, with the potential to leave patients unsupported in their journeys. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we aim to comprehensively report on every aspect of couples' experiences of PGT. We consider what motivates users, the practical and ethical decisions involved and how couples navigate the decision-making process. Additionally, we report on the social and psychological impact on couples who are actively undergoing or have completed the PGT process. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of English peer-reviewed journals of three computerized databases was undertaken following PRISMA guidelines. Studies that examined the motivations, attitudes, decision-making factors and experiences of patients who have been actively engaged in the PGT process were included. No restrictions were placed on study design or date of publication. Studies examining patients using PGT in a hypothetical context or solely using PGT for aneuploidy were excluded. Qualitative data were extracted using thematic analysis. OUTCOMES The main outcomes were patient motivations, deciding factors and attitudes, as well as the patient experience of coming to a decision and going through PGT.Patients were primarily motivated by the desire to have a healthy child and to avoid termination of pregnancy. Those with a sick child or previous experience of termination were more likely to use PGT. Patients also felt compelled to make use of the technology available, either from a moral responsibility to do so or to avoid feelings of guilt if not. The main factors considered when deciding to use PGT were the need for IVF and the acceptability of the technology, the financial cost of the procedure and one's ethical standpoint on the creation and manipulation of embryos. There was a general consensus that PGT should be applied to lethal or severe childhood disease but less agreement on use for adult onset or variable expression conditions. There was an agreement that it should not be used to select for aesthetic traits and a frustration with the views of PGT in society. We report that couples find it difficult to consider all of the benefits and costs of PGT, resulting in ambivalence and prolonged indecision. After deciding on PGT use, we found that patients find the process extremely impractical and psychologically demanding. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on how patients decide to use and experience PGT and to make suggestions to incorporate the findings into clinical practice. We cannot stress enough the importance of holistic evaluation of patients and thorough counselling prior to and during PGT use from a multidisciplinary team that includes geneticists, IVF clinicians, psychologists and also patient support groups. Large prospective studies using a validated psychological tool at various stages of the PGT process would provide an invaluable database for professionals to better aid patients in their decision-making and to improve the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Hughes
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Timothy Bracewell-Milnes
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Benjamin P Jones
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Paula A Almeida
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Katherine Maclaren
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Julian Norman-Taylor
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Mark Johnson
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Dimitrios Nikolaou
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Al-Kharusi K, Bruwer Z, Wessels TM. The experience of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) among Muslim couples in Oman in the Middle East. J Genet Couns 2020; 30:121-131. [PMID: 32578356 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an alternative reproductive technology integrated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is a well-established technique offering a reproductive option for families at a high risk of transmitting a genetic disorder, allowing them to avoid making a decision about termination of an affected pregnancy (TOP). In Arab communities and particularly in Oman, where TOP is not favored under the majority of implemented Muslim law, termination of pregnancy for fetal indications is not always possible. As these communities are in favor of consanguineous marriage, they are at increased risk of serious and lethal autosomal recessive conditions, and as a result, PGT is a feasible option as a TOP decision can be avoided. However, undergoing PGT is relatively new in the Arab Muslim countries and Omani patients have only recently had access to the service. This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore the experience of Omani families who had selected to undergo PGT as a means of reducing the risk of having a child affected with a genetic disorder. Fourteen participants from eight families who underwent PGT were interviewed. Data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research identified four main themes: Anxiously waiting 'Taraqub'; Unforeseen; Secrecy; and Me and My Partner. The findings of the research have provided insight into the PGT experiences of Omani families. Unique cultural and religious perspectives should be considered when counseling Omani Muslim couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalsa Al-Kharusi
- Genetics and Developmental Medicine Clinic, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zandre Bruwer
- Genetics and Developmental Medicine Clinic, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tina-Marié Wessels
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Järvholm S, Thurin-Kjellberg A, Broberg M. Is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) more of a strain regarding satisfaction with marital quality for male or female partners? A three-year follow-up study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 39:182-189. [PMID: 28447499 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2017.1319816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Men and women with a hereditary genetic disease are faced with different options when they plan to become parents. One is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) which is a combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic analysis of the embryo before implantation. The present study focuses on how men and women planning for PGD experience the quality of marital satisfaction when they apply for treatment and again, three years later. METHODS The study was a prospective cohort study where all couples (n = 22) applying for PGD during 2010 and 2011 were eligible. Nineteen women and 17 men (i.e. 17 couples and two women) participated. Participants answered several questionnaires (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Parental Stress Questionnaire) before PGD treatment, and again three years later. RESULTS Women who underwent PGD rated the quality of their marital relationship similarly to that of first-time parents and IVF couples, whereas men rated the marital quality somewhat lower than the contrasts groups. Satisfaction with marital quality was stable over the three-year period although men were less satisfied than women on both occasions. At year three, there was a significant correlation between martial satisfaction and parental stress in men, and between martial satisfaction and anxiety and depression in women. DISCUSSION Men are equally, or more, affected by their situation than their female partners, with consequences for satisfaction with marital quality. For this reason they should be included in any counselling offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Järvholm
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden.,b Department of Psychology , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Ann Thurin-Kjellberg
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Malin Broberg
- b Department of Psychology , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
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Genoff Garzon MC, Rubin LR, Lobel M, Stelling J, Pastore LM. Review of patient decision-making factors and attitudes regarding preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Clin Genet 2018; 94:22-42. [PMID: 29120067 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The increasing technical complexity and evolving options for repro-genetic testing have direct implications for information processing and decision making, yet the research among patients considering preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is narrowly focused. This review synthesizes the literature regarding patient PGD decision-making factors, and illuminates gaps for future research and clinical translation. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria for evaluating experiences and attitudes of patients directly involved in PGD as an intervention or considering using PGD. Thirteen reports were focused exclusively on a specific disease or condition. Five themes emerged: (1) patients motivated by prospects of a healthy, genetic-variant-free child, (2) PGD requires a commitment of time, money, energy and emotions, (3) patients concerned about logistics and ethics of discarding embryos, (4) some patients feel sense of responsibility to use available technologies, and (5) PGD decisions are complex for individuals and couples. Patient research on PGD decision-making processes has very infrequently used validated instruments, and the data collected through both quantitative and qualitative designs have been inconsistent. Future research for improving clinical counseling is needed to fill many gaps remaining in the literature regarding this decision-making process, and suggestions are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Genoff Garzon
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY
| | - L R Rubin
- Department of Psychology, The New School for Social Research, New York, NY
| | - M Lobel
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - J Stelling
- Reproductive Specialists of NY, Stony Brook, NY.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - L M Pastore
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
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Experiences of Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in Sweden: a Three-Year Follow-Up of Men and Women. J Genet Couns 2017; 26:1008-1016. [PMID: 28191608 PMCID: PMC5582074 DOI: 10.1007/s10897-017-0078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Men and women with a hereditary genetic disease are faced with different options when they wish to become parents. One is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) which is a combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and genetic analysis of the embryo before implantation. The present study focused on men and women's psychological experiences of PGD three years after applying for PGD. Nineteen women and seventeen men (i.e. seventeen couples and two women) participated. The interviews were analysed by thematic method. It is better to have tried was identified as a master theme, under which came three underlying sub-themes, which had the following headings: Practical experience of PGD, Psychological experience of PGD and Goals of PGD. The results show that men and women three years after PGD are still psychologically affected by their experience. The men and women raised concerns that their relationship had been affected, both positively and negatively, and feelings of anxiety and depression still remained. Healthcare services should recognize the heterogeneous nature of the group being studied and therefore the need for counselling can arise at different times and in relation to different areas, regardless of the outcome of the PGD.
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Järvholm S, Broberg M, Thurin-Kjellberg A. Risk factors for depression and anxiety among men and women planning for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2015.1137892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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