[ad_1]
New Delhi: Picture a future where parents can handpick their baby’s traits, embryos grow safely in artificial wombs, and AI predicts the most viable embryo for a successful pregnancy. This isn’t science fiction—it’s the unfolding reality of modern fertility science. Breakthroughs such as CRISPR gene editing, artificial wombs, and AI-driven embryo selection are transforming reproductive medicine.
While these innovations offer hope for higher IVF success rates and the prevention of genetic disorders, they also raise deep ethical concerns. Are we inching closer to a world of “designer babies”? Could artificial wombs challenge traditional concepts of motherhood?
As science continues to push boundaries, society faces difficult questions about where to draw the line. This thought-provoking theme took center stage at the 5th edition of the ETHealthworld Fertility Conclave during the panel discussion titled “Ethics Meets Science: Designer Babies and IVF Technology – The Intersection of Innovation and Morality.”
Experts including Nitiz Murdia, Co-founder & Managing Director, Indira IVF Hospital Limited; Anubhav Prashant, Chief Operating Officer, Apollo Cradle and Apollo Fertility; Javier Herrero, IVF/Embryology Advisor and Clinical Embryologist; Dr. Shipra Thukral, Country General Manager, CooperSurgical India; and Dr. Prateek Makwana, Director, Vasundhara Hospital Ltd., Consultant Embryologist, explored the ethical dilemmas surrounding innovations such as CRISPR gene editing, artificial wombs, and AI-driven embryo selection.
The panel, moderated by Prathiba Raju, Senior Assistant Editor, ETHealthworld, examined the delicate balance between scientific advancement and moral responsibility, raising critical questions about the future of fertility treatments and genetic interventions.
The landscape of fertility treatments is rapidly evolving with advancements such as CRISPR gene editing, artificial wombs, and AI-driven embryo selection. While these innovations offer immense promise for improving success rates and addressing medical conditions, they also raise profound ethical and social concerns.
According to Anubhav Prashant, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Apollo Cradle and Apollo Fertility, India’s IVF and fertility sector remains significantly underpenetrated. Expanding access requires integrating innovative technologies and scientific advancements.
While gene-editing techniques like CRISPR are showing promise globally, Prashant emphasized that these approaches still require extensive data validation before they can be widely commercialized.
From an ethical standpoint, India’s journey from pre-ART to post-ART phases highlights the need for stronger regulations, particularly regarding ART banks and surrogate compensation frameworks—areas where Western nations have more structured policies. Prashant believes that collaboration between the government, industry, and insurers is essential for ensuring responsible adoption.
Emerging Technologies and Ethical Boundaries
Technologies such as artificial wombs hold transformative potential but also carry risks of misuse. Nitiz Murdia, Co-founder & Managing Director, Indira IVF Hospital Limited, warned that such innovations could be exploited for non-medical or aesthetic purposes without strict regulations. Ensuring these tools are reserved for legitimate medical needs is crucial to avoid ethical dilemmas.
Echoing similar concerns, Javier Herrero, IVF/Embryology Advisor and Clinical Embryologist, stressed that artificial wombs should primarily be used to support premature babies rather than enable elective interventions. Without clear ethical safeguards, unregulated use could invite significant societal and moral challenges.
Emphasising on responsible innovation, Dr. Shipra Thukral, Country General Manager, CooperSurgical India, underscored the importance of clinical trials and robust data validation to ensure patient safety and efficacy.
She also highlighted the need for comprehensive patient counseling to ensure individuals fully understand the risks, benefits, and realistic outcomes before pursuing advanced fertility treatments. Balancing innovation with informed decision-making is critical to ensuring responsible adoption.
Germline Gene Editing: The Indian Perspective
India currently lacks specific legislation on germline editing but follows ICMR guidelines, which prohibit its clinical use.
According to Nitiz Murdia, gene editing holds potential for preventing conditions like hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. However, altering DNA raises significant ethical concerns, as future generations cannot provide consent. Following the controversial gene-editing cases in China in 2019, India’s cautious approach aligns with global recommendations, restricting germline editing to research under strict oversight by ethics committees.
Javier Herrero further highlighted the challenges associated with CRISPR technology in embryos, citing low efficiency, mutation risks, and affordability concerns. Until these risks are addressed, he emphasized the importance of pursuing alternative, well-established solutions such as PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders) and gamete donation for addressing genetic concerns.
The panel also discussed the growing role of AI-driven technologies in shaping the future of fertility treatments.
“AI is poised to play a transformative role in IVF by improving embryo selection and lab automation. While AI enhances efficiency, its success heavily depends on robust data validation and clinician intervention,” said Dr. Shipra Thukral.
She added that while AI-driven tools can recommend viable embryos, final decisions must involve experienced embryologists to ensure accuracy and safety. Ensuring data privacy, patient confidentiality, and clear regulatory frameworks is essential for AI’s responsible adoption in India’s fertility landscape.
The panel emphasised the need to strike a balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility.
The boundary between therapeutic genetic intervention and non-essential genetic enhancements remains a significant concern. Dr. Prateek Makwana warned that gene editing for non-medical purposes risks creating societal disparities, limiting genetic diversity, and introducing vulnerabilities to infections.
Drawing from an iconic quote in Jurassic Park, he aptly stated, “Scientists are often so preoccupied with what they can do, they forget to ask if they should.”
As advancements in reproductive science accelerate, establishing a strong ethical framework that balances innovation with societal well-being is essential to safeguarding the future of fertility treatments.
[ad_2]
Source link
