IVF: Genetic test to find out the next child's IQ

Congenital embryo in vitro (FIV) and is genetically tested to identify possible mental disorders and to know in advance his level of intelligence. This is not a science fiction scenario, but the practice that the American company Genomic Prediction hopes to offer sooner to older parents, reports New scientist November 15, 2018. This company based in New Jersey specializes in prenatal tests.

Determine the IQ below the average level

In practice, Genomic Prediction plans to look at the potential deviations of certain parts of the embryo's DNA. Abnormalities observed in this way are either those caused by one gene or associated with a chromosomal problem, such as trisomy 21.

As for intelligence, the company plans to sift several genes to identify the embryos exposing the risk of expressing the Intelligence (IQ) by 25 points lower on average. Currently, an American company plans to offer parents who do not choose embryos at risk of disability or low IQ, but this does not exclude the possibility of offering the opposite: voluntarily select embryos with high IQ. "I think people will ask if we do not do this, another company will do this," says Stephen HSu, co-founder of Genomic Prediction. New scientist.

DNA, chromosomes and genesThe DNA molecules in each body of the body make up structures called chromosomes. For humans, chromosomes are 46. Each chromosome contains several thousand DNA sequences that follow each other and correspond to genes that have genetic information. The same gene can exist in different forms. These variable forms will give each individual unique characters.

Ethics and Drift Risk

But the possibility of this futuristic look raises ethical issues. Choosing an embryo for your future IQ and thus creating a child according to certain selection criteria really refers to Eugenic excesses, which involves the adoption of all available methods to improve the genetic heritage of the human being.
In France, IVF strictly regulates bioethics laws. According to Articles 16 to 10 of the Civil Code. Genetic testing of the article can be done "for medical purposes or scientific research only".
Preimplant diagnosis, consisting of the intended embryonic genetic tests in vitro Before implantation of the uterus, only couples who are at risk of "being transferred to their child a genetic disease particularly serious, "says the Biomedical Agency.