Discussion Board 4

Topic:
It is now possible to have human embryos produced via in vitro (test tube) fertilization (IVF) tested for many different genetic diseases such as Huntingtons disease, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, a form of Alzheimers disease, and BRCA1 associated cancers among others. Those embryos that have the gene for any of these diseases will be discarded and only those embryos lacking the disease-causing genes will be used for implantation into the potential mother. The technique used to do this is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PIGD). It is also possible for sperm/egg donor banks to carry out a fertilization event on paper before it is done in vitro.
This way, prospective parents can reduce the risk of having a child with some genetic disorder. There are also other genetic changes that might be done with PIGD techniques including the choice of embryos with specific gene combinations for eye color, height, hair color and others. Many traits will likely not lend themselves to modification because they are too complex.
Finally, the potential exists for modification of an embryo with a genetic disorder that would replace the ‘bad’ copy of the gene with ‘good’ copies.

1. Give a detailed explanation of IVF. Be sure to discuss the various reasons why couples might choose to use this technique.
2. Discuss the details of PIGD. What procedures must be done to lead to the production of a ‘healthy’ embryo. Be sure to discuss what ‘healthy’ means in this context.
3. Weigh in on the topic of PIGD in conjunction with IVF pointing out what you think are the pros and cons of this developing and ever-improving technology.

Respond to Others: Read the postings of your classmates and comment on at least one other student’s response. Justify any comments you make with factual information.Discussion Board Grading Rubric:
1. Original posting: (7 points)

• Posting is at least 100 words, and has proper grammar and punctuation (2 points).
• Posting fully addresses the discussion board questions. (2 points)
• Discussion is original and at a critical level, not just recitation of facts. (2 points)
• Proper citation of references. (1 point)

2. Reply to peer discussion posts: (3 points)

• Discuss one point you like/agree with, and one point you dislike/disagree with and explain why. (2 points)  
• Length of positing consists of approximately 100 words minimum. (1 point)

Please Respond to this Student:

 Jordan Ritman 

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a procedure used to help a woman become pregnant. The process actually sounds quite simple. Sperm is collected to fertilize an egg and that egg is then implanted in the uterus. There is more to it though, first, the patient would also have to take medication that helps mature the eggs for fertilization and those eggs are taken out of the body and placed together with sperm. Some couples may use IVF because they have a hard time conceiving, or if the eggs that they carry have possibilities of having genetic disorders such as down syndrome and others. PGD is used prior to implantation to genetic defects within the embryo. PGD is for couples that usually are at risk for passing genetic disorders or defects to their offspring. IVF and PGD go against somethings that people believe in pertaining to religious beliefs mostly.