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Center for Genetics and Society calls for federal oversight, hearings
The following statement can be attributed to Marcy Darnovsky, PhD, Associate Executive Director of the Center for Genetics and Society:
"As advocates of responsible uses of reproductive and genetic technologies, we are encouraged by the near unanimous condemnation of an offer to use an embryo screening technique to select the hair color, eye color, and complexion of future children. Many fertility practitioners and bioethicists agree that the advertised service by a southern California clinic crossed a dangerous line.
"We are also encouraged that the fertility clinic in question has suspended its offer, at least for now. Its announcement cites 'negative societal impacts' as a key reason to proceed no further.
"Despite the suspension of this program, the absence of fertility industry oversight is a real problem. This and other recent incidents highlight the need for Congressional hearings and for federal oversight of the fertility industry, which remains virtually free of enforceable constraints.
"It’s important that regulation of the fertility industry not be left to those seeking to undermine reproductive rights. Regulation must be aimed not at women’s bodies, but at the multi-billion dollar baby business.
"Following the birth of octuplets, it was revealed that the industry’s voluntary guidelines on the transfer of embryos into women’s bodies are violated by at least four out of five clinics. In California, that number is over 90%. Currently, there are no meaningful sanctions for such transgressions.
"Like the financial industry, the fertility industry has shown that it is incapable of regulating itself. It’s time to establish basic rules of the road."
The Center for Genetics and Society is a non-profit public affairs and policy advocacy organization working to encourage responsible uses and effective societal governance of human genetic and reproductive biotechnologies.
Contact:
Marcy Darnovsky
1-510-625-0819 x305
mdarnovsky[AT]geneticsandsociety[DOT]org
In wake of octuplets and “designer babies” controversies, Center for Genetics and Society says oversight is overdue
Congress should hold hearings on oversight of the unregulated $3 billion assisted reproduction industry, said the Center for Genetics and Society, a public interest organization.
“For too long, America has had an unfortunate reputation as the ‘Wild West’ of the fertility industry – and that image has been reinforced by recent controversies,” said Marcy Darnovsky, the Center’s associate executive director. “Federal regulation and oversight are needed, and Congress should take the first step by holding hearings.”
Last month, it was revealed that the fertility doctor involved with the recent birth of octuplets violated the industry’s guidelines regarding the number of embryos that should be transferred into a woman’s body. Media reports later concluded that only 20% of fertility clinics follow these guidelines.
In addition, a leading fertility specialist began advertising the use of genetic selection for hair color, eye color, and complexion.
“Essentially every other industrialized country has more oversight of their fertility industries than the US does,” noted Jesse Reynolds, a policy analyst at the Center who has compiled laws about assisted reproduction in an online database. “States are beginning to respond, but these proposed laws vary widely. At best they will result in a cumbersome patchwork.”
In contrast to other industrialized countries, the United States relies on voluntary guidelines established by the industry organization, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. But their guidelines are routinely flouted, and the ASRM does not effectively sanction violators.
The federal government requires only that clinics’ success rates be reported.
“We need carefully crafted policies that don’t infringe on reproductive rights, and that bring responsible regulation to the baby business,” added Darnovsky. “In fact, surveys show that large majorities oppose the creation and marketing of so-called ‘designer babies.’”
The Center for Genetics and Society is a non-profit public affairs and policy advocacy organization working to encourage responsible uses and effective societal governance of human genetic and reproductive biotechnologies.
The Center’s compilation of country-level policies on assisted reproductive technologies can be found in the BiopolicyWiki.
Contact:
Marcy Darnovsky
1-510-625-0819 x305
mdarnovsky[AT]geneticsandsociety[DOT]org
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