Latest fertility treatment advancements in India: Genetic testing in IVF – Boon or ethical concern?

In the last decade, fertility treatments in India have witnessed tremendous growth and progress. Due to changing lifestyles, delayed marriages, and increased awareness, many couples are opting for fertility treatments to conceive a child. In this long list of developments, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) has become more efficient, safe, and accessible. One of the most significant developments in IVF is genetic tests on embryos, which have opened new avenues but have also posed many ethical issues.

Genetic tests in IVF, also known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), enable medical practitioners to conduct tests on embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. There are different types of PGTs, such as PGT-A, which detects genetic abnormalities, and PGT-M, which detects genetic disorders like thalassemia and cystic fibrosis. This helps in choosing healthy embryos, which increase the possibilities of a successful pregnancy while reducing miscarriage.

This latest development in IVF has proved to be beneficial in India, especially for couples who have a history of failed IVFs, miscarriages, and genetic disorders in their family members. 

The country has very strict laws in place for the use of genetic testing. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the PCPNDT (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act, 1994, have very strict regulations for the use of such tests. They ensure that the tests are used for the detection of serious genetic diseases only and not for sex selection which is illegal in India. 

Another important advancement in the field of fertility treatments in India is the mandatory screening for genetic diseases as well as infectious diseases before the commencement of the treatment. This helps in the safe delivery of the baby as well as the mother. Technologies such as time-lapse monitoring, vitrification, and improved laboratory conditions have also helped in the enhancement of the success rates of IVF treatments.

While the top centres in the country are offering the best treatments, the accessibility as well as affordability still remain an issue for many people living in the smaller towns.

Is genetic testing in IVF a boon or a cause of ethical issues? The answer to this would fall somewhere in between. If done responsibly, it is for sure a boon. It saves us from serious genetic disorders, aids in a better pregnancy outcome, and brings new hopes for many. However, it should always be accompanied by good ethical practices and regulations.

As medical professionals, it is not only about technology, it is about wise use of technology. It is about making science work for humanity, not against humanity. For patients, it is very important to seek treatment from certified clinics, understand the procedures, ask questions, and so on.

Today, it is not just about having a child, it is about having a child in the most ethical, healthy, and safe manner possible. And I believe India is moving in the right direction by striking the perfect balance between technology and responsibility.