The science of preimplantation genetic diagnosis and the ethical, moral and patient perspective

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a complex procedure that has evolved into a useful tool for couples wanting to have healthy babies. Each step in the process is accurately performed by scientific professionals who strive to improve the technique by incorporating the latest molecular testing and laboratory procedures. This thesis examines not only the science involved, but also the social issues surrounding PGD including sex selection, embryo status, selection of a haplotype-matched embryos and production of designer babies. Differing religious views on PGD and patient rationale for seeking out this controversial reproductive option are also explored. The last twenty years will be remembered as the era in which the study of human and medical genetics was revolutionized by molecular biology. The knowledge gained from the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 will have a major impact in many areas of medicine, especially genetics and PGD.