Should fertility clinics be required by law to disclose that some assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can result in epigenetic diseases? How would you and your partner balance the risks of ART with the desire to have a child?

Key Concepts

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) encompass a range of medical procedures used to address infertility. These include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and embryo transfer. ART aims to enhance the chances of conception by manipulating eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the body, making it crucial for couples facing fertility challenges.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics refers to the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle, and certain medical interventions, including ART. Understanding epigenetics is essential for recognizing how assisted reproductive technologies might impact the health of offspring, potentially leading to epigenetic diseases.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in medical practice, requiring that patients are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure before agreeing to it. In the context of ART, this means that fertility clinics should disclose potential risks, including the possibility of epigenetic diseases, allowing couples to make educated decisions about their reproductive options.