Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is when an embryo created through IVF, is genetically tested for abnormalities prior to implantation in the womb. Only healthy embryos, free of disease are transferred to the womb.
Some couples have a genetic condition which may be inherited by any child they conceive. For instance, my husband has HMSN (Hereditory Motor Sensory Neuropathy) and we were told prior to becoming pregnant, that any baby would have a 50/50 chance of having the disability. At that time (in 1995) there were no available tests prior to a pregnancy being established, so we had a dilemma on our hands.
Other conditions screened for could be Cystic Fibrosis, Haemophilia, Fragile X, and Sickel Cell, to name a few.
What are the advantages of PGD?
When I was having my children, the only choices were:
- Don't have children (a heartbreaking option).
- Have children and wait to see if they develop the disability.
- Get pregnant and then have a CVS between 11-16 weeks of pregnancy, then if the fetus is affected, chose to terminate the pregnancy.
For many couples, having to decide whether or not to continue their pregnancy, or go through the emotional trauma and physical risks of an abortion, is the most difficult decision they will ever make.
PGD means that only healthy embryos are used in IVF, and the new parents can continue their pregnancy, knowing their baby is free of hereditory disease. This selection process is a lot less traumatic than the alternatives.
