Discussion Questions: The Ethics of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

At what stage of embryo development does preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) take place? Why do you think it is done at this stage?
What are the benefits and risks of PGD?
List some of the reasons that make this technique controversial. In what ways is it—or might it one day be—used for screening for something beyond diseases?
Do you think that our society should try to genetically “engineer” babies, as portrayed in the movie Gattaca? Do you think that one day we will? Explain your answers.
Contrast the ethics of PGD versus abortion (after amniocentesis indicates a genetic problem). Which do you think you might choose if you had a strong family history of genetic disease, and why?