Polygenic risk scores in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-P): stakeholder perspectives and ethical challenges

This project will look into the ethics of the use of polygenic risk scores in preimplantation genetic testing (referred to as PGT-P). Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can be used to prevent future children from having certain genetic conditions or to improve reproductive success. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are used to calculate the risk an individual has compared to the general population for developing complex ‘polygenic’ disorders (e.g. coronary artery disease, breast cancer and diabetes). With PGT-P, these risk scores are used to help make decision regarding which embryo(s) to transfer. The aim of this PhD is to study ethical considerations associated with the use of PGT-P and to explore the views of stakeholders with regards to this development using methods from the social sciences.