Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have recently been used to inform reproductive decision-making in the context of embryonic screening. While this is yet to be widespread, it is contested and raises several challenges. This article provides an overview of some of the ethical considerations that arise with using PRSs for embryo screening and offers a series of regulatory considerations for jurisdictions that may wish to permit this in the future. These regulatory considerations cover possible regulators and regulatory tools, eligibility criteria, information (...) and education requirements and the need for ongoing refinement of the relevant technology, research and consultation. (shrink)

Recent developments in genetic technologies have provided prospective parents with increasing opportunities to influence their future child’s phenotype. This study aimed to understand public attitudes towards gene-based technologies and services, with a particular focus on improving educational outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among a Singaporean population (n=1438), adapting a survey instrument previously used in the US context. Our results suggested that Singaporeans had a greater moral acceptance of, and willingness to use, genetic technologies and services compared with the US (...) population. Among the technologies examined, the use of polygenic embryo screening was considered more acceptable than gene editing. While these public attitudes show some support for the use of these technologies, further research and consultation among multiple stakeholder groups is necessary to determine whether such technology should be used and how it should be regulated. (shrink)