It's Been a Minute Can doctors test embryos for autism? And should they?
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May 28, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Vardit Ravitsky, a bioethicist at Harvard Medical School, and Katie Hasson of the Center for Genetics and Society, dissect the complex world of polygenic embryo screening. They delve into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the genetic selection of embryos for conditions like autism. The conversation highlights societal pressures, stigma, and ableism, revealing how these factors intertwine with parental choices. The duo also critiques the potential normalization of such practices and the implications for social inequality.
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Limitations of Polygenic Screening
- Polygenic embryo screening tests assess risk scores based on multiple genetic variants, not single-gene causes.
- It predicts probabilities of conditions like autism and cancer but is limited by complex genetics and environment.
Skepticism About Test Accuracy
- The promise of choosing the healthiest embryo is appealing but questionable.
- The genetic links to many conditions are complex and the test accuracy is doubtful.
Caution on Genetic Data Interpretation
- Polygenic risk scores come from statistical associations, not clear causality.
- Genetic data mainly from European populations limits accuracy in others.