Polygenic Embryo ELSI Research
The "PEER" Group
Reviews and Overviews
Roura-Monllor et al, Fertility & Sterility Reviews (2025) reviews the current status of PES in the context of the first International Conference on Polygenic Embryo Screening, which we organized in September of 2023. Panel discussions included input from reproductive medicine physicians, genetic counselors, statistical geneticists, heads of companies providing PES, leaders of professional societies, government agencies, lawyers, ethicists, and academicians focusing on social justice. On the basis of current and emerging evidence, our objective in this article is to review the development of this technology, the ethical, legal, and social concerns inherent in its use, and its current impact and future potential. We conclude with our assessment regarding whether these considerations support the current use of PES, and recommendations to guide the continued development and potential incorporation of PES into clinical use.
Capalbo et al, Human Reproduction Update (2024) has four main goals. First, given the interdisciplinary nature of PES studies, we aim to provide a self-contained educational background about PES to reproductive specialists interested in the subject. Second, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of arguments for and against the introduction of PES, crystallizing and prioritizing the key issues. We also cover the attitudes of IVF patients, clinicians, and the public towards PES. Third, we distinguish between possible future groups of PES patients, highlighting the benefits and harms pertaining to each group. Finally, our review, which is supported by ESHRE, is intended to aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in decision-making regarding whether to introduce PES in the clinic, and if so, how, and to whom.
