New embryo testing company says it can predict lifespan, height and IQ of potential children

Summary:

A biotech startup now analyzes embryos during IVF to predict adult outcomes like lifespan, height, and intelligence quotient (IQ) using polygenic risk scoring. While framed as health optimization, critics warn this enables consumer eugenics for non-medical traits. The company markets its service as “preemptive parenting” but omits key limitations: predictions have 40-60% accuracy rates and disregard environmental factors triggering lawsuits for false claims. Early adopters report paying $2,000-$5,000 extra per embryo analyzed.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Unregulated trait selection reinforces ableist biases and creates unrealistic parental expectations
• Fix: Consult a genetic counselor (find via NSGC) before any embryo testing
• Security: Demand deletion of raw DNA data post-analysis (test companies rarely auto-delete)
• Warning: Prenatal IQ predictions violate WHO guidelines on genetic determinism

Solutions:

Solution 1: Regulatory Intervention

Advocate for legislation classifying non-medical embryo selection as unethical. The FDA currently allows “lab-developed tests” without clinical validation – an accountability gap. Contact representatives to support the Genetic Information Protection Act:

Find Your Rep: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Solution 2: Scientific Skepticism

Require companies to disclose prediction confidence intervals. Current marketing materials bury disclaimers like “IQ estimates have ±18 point error margins.” Cross-check claims against NIH’s PRS factsheet showing environment accounts for 50-80% of trait outcomes.

Solution 3: Ethical IVF Clinics

Choose fertility providers adhering to ASRM guidelines prohibiting non-medical trait selection. Leading clinics like Cornell CCRM publicly refuse elective IQ screening, focusing only on severe medical conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Solution 4: Media Literacy

Reverse-image search company promotional materials – some firms use stock photos of “designer babies.” Search CEO names + “fraud” or “FDA warning.” Trust only peer-reviewed studies, not press releases.

People Also Ask:

• Q: Can IQ really be predicted from embryos? A: Not reliably – current models miss critical gene-environment interactions
• Q: Is this legal in the US? A: Mostly unregulated; only 4 states prohibit non-medical trait selection
• Q: Do any diseases justify this? A: Separate issue – medical PGT tests for 500+ severe conditions already exist
• Q: What companies offer this? A: We’re withholding names to avoid promotion until regulatory action occurs

Protect Yourself:

• Require CLIA-certified labs (check at CMS CLIA)
• Reject bundled “trait packages” costing over $1,500
• Never upload raw embryo DNA data to genealogy sites
• Document all promised accuracy rates in signed contracts

Expert Take:

“These services weaponize parental anxiety while ignoring epigenetics – identical embryos develop different IQs based on diet, toxins, or childhood trauma. It’s statistical malpractice,” says Dr. Sarah Richards, MIT bioethics researcher.

Tags:

• polygenic risk score embryo selection controversy
• can IQ be predicted from DNA testing
• ethical concerns with designer baby technology
• IVF genetic screening for non-medical traits
• how accurate are lifespan predictions from genetics
• regulating consumer eugenics companies

*Featured image via source