Practices and ethical concerns regarding preimplantation diagnosis. Who
regulates preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Brazil? |
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Authors: | BB Damian TCS Bonetti DDG Horovitz |
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Institution: | 1.Centro de Genética Médica, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;2.Departamento de Ginecologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil |
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Abstract: | Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was originally developed to diagnose
embryo-related genetic abnormalities for couples who present a high risk of a
specific inherited disorder. Because this technology involves embryo selection, the
medical, bioethical, and legal implications of the technique have been debated,
particularly when it is used to select features that are not related to serious
diseases. Although several initiatives have attempted to achieve regulatory
harmonization, the diversity of healthcare services available and the presence of
cultural differences have hampered attempts to achieve this goal. Thus, in different
countries, the provision of PGD and regulatory frameworks reflect the perceptions of
scientific groups, legislators, and society regarding this technology. In Brazil,
several texts have been analyzed by the National Congress to regulate the use of
assisted reproduction technologies. Legislative debates, however, are not conclusive,
and limited information has been published on how PGD is specifically regulated. The
country requires the development of new regulatory standards to ensure adequate
access to this technology and to guarantee its safe practice. This study examined
official documents published on PGD regulation in Brazil and demonstrated how little
direct oversight of PGD currently exists. It provides relevant information to
encourage reflection on a particular regulation model in a Brazilian context, and
should serve as part of the basis to enable further reform of the clinical practice
of PGD in the country. |
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Keywords: | Preimplantation genetic diagnosis Public policy Regulation Ethics Brazil |
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