#1017 - Jonathan Anomaly - What Embryo Selection Means for Humanity
Modern Wisdom
Nov 08
#1017 - Jonathan Anomaly - What Embryo Selection Means for Humanity
#1017 - Jonathan Anomaly - What Embryo Selection Means for Humanity
Modern Wisdom
Nov 08
The conversation dives into the rapidly advancing world of embryo selection, where science is beginning to offer parents the ability to screen for genetic diseases and even influence complex traits like intelligence. As this technology becomes more accessible, ethical debates are intensifying around autonomy, equity, and the long-term societal impact of designing future generations.
This podcast explores the scientific, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of embryo selection in modern IVF. While screening for severe genetic disorders is widely accepted, selecting for cognitive or behavioral traits sparks controversy due to fears of eugenics and inequality. Advances in polygenic risk scoring now allow predictions for conditions like schizophrenia and diabetes, though accuracy remains limited—especially for non-European populations. The discussion emphasizes that genetics significantly shape life outcomes, yet selection does not imply moral superiority. Philosophical questions arise about identity, personhood, and whether preventing disease constitutes a moral duty. Cultural and global disparities in regulation—permissive in China and Israel, restrictive in Europe—could widen genetic inequality. While pleiotropy poses risks, most genetic correlations are beneficial. Ultimately, the technology empowers parental choice, but demands transparent validation, equitable access, and thoughtful social norms to avoid misuse and stigma.
08:27
08:27
Wealth inequality already has a genetic component due to assortative mating.
16:44
16:44
Genetic selection can minimize disease burden and support cognitive development without implying moral superiority.
29:38
29:38
Polygenic screening allows selection for common diseases like breast cancer and schizophrenia, yet many doctors resist it due to misunderstanding of probabilistic risk.
40:15
40:15
Polygenic scores trained on European data lose accuracy in African ancestry samples.
55:34
55:34
Choosing not to select an embryo to avoid disease may be morally wrong, akin to refusing a vaccine.
1:13:52
1:13:52
Selecting against severe depression may reduce risks for bipolar and schizophrenia due to positive pleiotropy
1:19:15
1:19:15
Choosing an embryo isn't improving a life—it's deciding which life comes into existence.
1:29:47
1:29:47
Understanding genetic processes can reveal new beauty and reduce stigma around unchosen conditions.
1:35:34
1:35:34
Behavioral genetics could replace all parenting books
1:37:57
1:37:57
Screening embryos for psychiatric conditions could reduce blame by highlighting genetic causes.
1:46:36
1:46:36
About 40% of natural pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion, often due to genetic abnormalities.
1:51:44
1:51:44
China may use its biobank to select for empathy and against aggression
