Polygenic embryo selection screens IVF embryos for genetic predispositions to traits and diseases. While theoretically aimed at reducing health risks, significant concerns persist regarding its accuracy and potential to deepen existing health disparities.
Currently, for most traits, the technology offers little more than "snake oil." However, as accuracy improves, a wider range of characteristics could become targets, raising profound concerns about exacerbating structural inequality, particularly due to unequal access. The high cost of IVF and associated genetic screening, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per cycle, makes it largely inaccessible to working- and middle-class Americans. Insurance coverage is limited, and public programs like Medicaid offer no coverage.
Furthermore, the technology's effectiveness is currently diminished in non-European ancestries, creating a potential for health disparities to worsen. For example, Pacific Islander Americans, who already face higher rates of chronic conditions, could be excluded from potential health benefits. Similarly, educational disparities could grow if affluent families can utilize polygenic selection to reduce learning disability risks in their children while others cannot.
If unequal access creates genetic risk disparities, these could compound over generations. While proponents highlight potential benefits like reducing chronic pain, the looming challenge is determining permissible applications. The perception of genetic differences, even if artificially created, can lead to differential treatment, masking underlying biases. The risk of perpetuating myths about group genetic differences is substantial, even with current inaccurate technologies.